Craving a dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying? This tortellini casserole is your answer! It combines tender tortellini with a rich meat sauce and layers of gooey melted cheese, creating a truly irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy, cheesy, and hearty tortellini casserole offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to delight your family with a meal they’ll ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Casserole
This delightful dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a family favorite designed for ease and enjoyment.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll appreciate the minimal prep and straightforward one-pan assembly before baking. This makes for a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
- Cheesy & Flavorful: Indulge in a rich, savory meat sauce perfectly complemented by an abundance of gooey, melted mozzarella. Every bite is packed with deliciousness.
- Family-Friendly: This tortellini casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, kid-approved, and wonderful for sharing with loved ones.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: It’s an ideal recipe for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare it in advance or freeze portions for later.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs, making it truly your own.
Ingredients
Creating this amazing tortellini casserole starts with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have. This recipe features a savory meat sauce and plenty of cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Understanding the fat content in ground beef is key to achieving the right texture and flavor in your casserole. Explore different types of ground beef and their fat percentages.
- 1 pound of lean ground beef 97/3
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand)
- 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 24 oz package of fresh cheese tortellini
- 3 cups of freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Notes & Substitutions
- Tortellini: While fresh refrigerated tortellini works best, you can use frozen tortellini without pre-boiling; simply add 10-15 minutes to the bake time. If using dried tortellini, cook it al dente according to package directions before adding to the sauce.
- Meat: Feel free to swap lean ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra kick, or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this baked tortellini.
- Sauce: Save time by using your favorite 36-40 oz jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce instead of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Try Parmesan, creamy ricotta dollops, or an Italian cheese blend for varied flavors in your hearty pasta bake.
- Vegetables: Boost nutrition by folding in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers with the sauce.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you begin makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for this delicious tortellini casserole.
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Making this tortellini casserole is straightforward and fun! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect, cheesy result every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it softens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and brown it thoroughly, cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
- Gently fold the uncooked fresh tortellini into the simmering meat sauce. Add 1 ½ cups of the freshly grated mozzarella cheese and stir until everything is well combined and the tortellini is coated.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the tortellini casserole. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- For a golden-brown and slightly crispy cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Let the baked tortellini rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These expert tips will help ensure your tortellini casserole turns out perfectly every time. Avoid common pitfalls and maximize flavor with these simple tricks.
- Preventing Dry Tortellini: Ensure there’s enough sauce to coat all the tortellini. Keeping the casserole covered during most of the baking prevents the pasta from drying out.
- Golden-Brown Cheese: For that irresistible bubbly, golden-brown crust, remove the foil for the final 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Flavor Adjustment: Always taste the meat sauce before adding the tortellini. Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to your liking for the best flavor.
- Casserole Size: A 9×13 inch casserole dish is ideal for this recipe. Using a smaller dish can lead to overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Draining Meat: If using ground beef with a higher fat content, always drain the excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy final dish.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile tortellini casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Here’s how to best enjoy, store, and customize it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty pasta bake with warm garlic bread or crispy crostini to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with a light, fresh green salad tossed with a vinaigrette, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- For optimal food safety, guidelines on storing and reheating leftovers, including casseroles, are crucial to prevent foodborne illness. Consult resources on proper storage and reheating of leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover tortellini casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover it tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, uncovering for the last 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. You can portion it into individual containers or freeze the entire dish. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the oven or microwave until hot.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a delicious spicy tortellini casserole.
- Creamy Delight: Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese or 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for an even richer, creamier texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat entirely. Sauté extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then use vegetable broth in place of any meat drippings.
- Different Meats: Feel free to experiment with ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken to change the flavor profile of this delicious baked tortellini.
Nutrition
This tortellini casserole provides a substantial and satisfying meal, offering a good balance of macronutrients to fuel your family. Enjoy this comforting dish knowing it contributes to a hearty diet.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Protein | 30-40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50 g |
| Fat | 20-30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-15 g |
FAQ
Got questions about making the perfect tortellini casserole? Here are some common inquiries and their answers to help you along.
- Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, absolutely! There’s no need to thaw or pre-boil frozen tortellini; just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use dried tortellini? You certainly can. Make sure to pre-cook dried tortellini al dente according to the package instructions before mixing it into the sauce.
- Do I need to drain the ground beef? Yes, it is important to drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef for a less greasy and more palatable casserole.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What other cheeses work well? Provolone, Fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano also make delicious additions to this tortellini casserole.
Conclusion
This easy cheesy tortellini casserole truly is a weeknight hero, bringing comfort and flavor to your family table with minimal fuss. Its combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese makes it an instant classic that satisfies everyone. We hope you try this comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe soon. Don’t forget to share your experience and rate this fantastic tortellini casserole once you’ve made it!