Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole. This delectable Italian dish features tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight. If you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, this casserole is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 1 package 20oz/567g of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 pound 453g of ground beef
- 1 jar 24oz/680g of pasta sauce
- 8 ounces 226g of cream cheese, cubed
- 1-2 cups 115-230g of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup 56g of grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt garlic powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they reach al dente perfection. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning it with your desired amount of salt, garlic powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ensure the beef is fully cooked, and drain any excess grease.
- Add the tomato sauce and cubed cream cheese to the skillet with the ground beef. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and well incorporated.
- Gently toss the cooked tortellini with the sauce mixture until all the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the casserole, creating a generous layer of melty goodness.
- Place the casserole in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- For an extra touch of deliciousness, switch the oven to broil and continue baking for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese achieves a beautiful golden crust.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your eager taste buds.
Notes
Feel free to explore different seasoning variations, such as adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh herbs like basil and oregano for added freshness.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken without compromising the deliciousness of this casserole.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken without compromising the deliciousness of this casserole.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.