EASY CHEESY BAKED TORTELLINI CASSEROLE

Imagine biting into tender cheese-filled tortellini, enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce, and blanketed with a layer of melted, bubbly cheese – that’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole! It’s comfort food at its finest, and I promise, it’s so easy to make, even on the busiest weeknights, that you’ll be coming back to it again and again.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Casserole:

• 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Let’s Talk Tortellini: Fresh vs. Dried

Okay, friend, let’s get real about tortellini. This recipe works wonderfully with refrigerated cheese tortellini, which is what I usually use. However, if you only have dried tortellini on hand, don’t sweat it! Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole. Fresh tortellini tends to hold its shape better in the oven, but dried tortellini will still taste delicious.

The Hearty Meat Sauce: Building Flavor From the Ground Up

This is where the magic truly begins! The sauce is what transforms this from a simple pasta dish into a Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t skip on the sautéing of the onion and garlic – that’s key to building a delicious base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Make the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

Prepare the Tortellini Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
2. Add the cheese tortellini on top of the sauce.
3. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the tortellini.
4. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta cheese.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake It to Perfection!

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.

Tips for the BEST Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: If you’re using dried tortellini and pre-cooking it, be careful not to overcook it. You want it to be slightly al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Cheese, Please! Don’t be shy with the cheese! Use a good quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and melt. You can also add other cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. It also goes wonderfully alongside some roasted vegetables!

Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables to the sauce. You can also use a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
• Chicken Tortellini Casserole: Substitute the ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken.
• Pesto Tortellini Casserole: Use pesto instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.

Other Italian-Inspired Delights

Craving more Italian comfort food? I’ve got you covered! If you love rich and creamy dishes, you absolutely HAVE to try my Baked Spaghetti Cream Cheese Heaven – it’s pure indulgence. For a lighter but equally satisfying option, try my Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta. And if you’re looking for something to feed a crowd, Million Dollar Spaghetti is always a hit! Feeling like having an amazing soup? Why not try Lasagna Soup or Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells? Lastly, if you are in the mood for a cold dish, try my Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Why This Recipe Works: It’s All About the Layers!

The beauty of this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole lies in its layers of flavor and texture. The rich meat sauce, the tender tortellini, the creamy ricotta cheese, and the melted mozzarella cheese all come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Enjoy Your Delicious Casserole!

There you have it – a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!