Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Layers of tender cheese tortellini, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses come together to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 20 oz (about 560g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: If using meat, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Step 4: Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Spread a thin layer of sauce in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked tortellini, then spoon over half of the sauce.
- Step 6: Add small dollops of ricotta cheese over the layer and sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and cheddar.
- Step 8: Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 9: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Step 10: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 11: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a meatless version, omit the meat and increase the amount of marinara sauce slightly.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a mixture of Italian cheeses for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle additional red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed and bubbly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Cook according to package instructions before assembling the casserole.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the meat?
Yes, pre-cooking the ground beef or sausage ensures it is fully cooked and the flavors meld well with the sauce.
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Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked tortellini casserole featuring layers of tender cheese tortellini, a savory meat-infused marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 oz (about 560g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauces & Meat
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Vegetables & Herbs
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for layering the casserole.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package directions, usually for 3–5 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: If using meat, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. For a meatless version, simply combine the sauces and seasonings without browning meat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce. Spoon half of the sauce evenly on top. Add small dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the layer. Repeat with the remaining tortellini and sauce, finishing with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For a meatless version, omit the ground beef or sausage and proceed with just the marinara and tomato sauce.
- Using refrigerated tortellini reduces prep time compared to dried pasta.
- Covering the casserole during the initial bake prevents the cheese from drying out while allowing it to brown beautifully once uncovered.
- Letting the casserole rest helps it firm up for easier serving.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add extra baking time if baking cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: cheesy baked tortellini casserole, tortellini bake, Italian pasta casserole, creamy cheese pasta bake, comfort food
