Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with a rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping. This easy-to-make dish combines tender cheese tortellini with browned ground beef, pasta sauce, cream cheese, and melty mozzarella and parmesan, baked to perfection for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20oz) container refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24oz) jar pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Seasonings and Cheese Toppings
- Salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning (to taste)
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Drain excess grease from the beef. Stir in the jar of pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is blended smoothly.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently toss the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated but not broken.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
- Broil for a Golden Top: Switch the oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving. Enjoy on its own or with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty garlic bread.
Notes
- Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini depending on availability; cooking times may vary slightly.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly from cooked ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference for a balanced flavor.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of milk or cream when melting the cream cheese.
- Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
