If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and rich, savory flavors, then you absolutely have to try this Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender cheese-filled tortellini wrapped in a luscious, creamy marinara sauce, topped with bubbly mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This dish is incredibly satisfying, and its layers of flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family during the week or impressing friends on the weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe means gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in building luscious taste and delightful texture.
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, bringing a burst of cheesy pockets that soak up all the rich sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté onion and garlic, adding depth to the flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a soft bite that balances the hearty meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Brings savory richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers subtle herbal warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick to awaken your taste buds if you like a little heat.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: The luscious, tangy base sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that creamy, dreamy consistency that makes the casserole so indulgent.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top, giving you that golden cheesy crust.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty punch as a perfect finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh burst of color and herbaceous brightness before serving.
How to Make Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tortellini
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, cook your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes just a few minutes – make sure to drain them well and set aside because they’ll soak up all the delicious sauce later!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks natural sweetness and gives a wonderful foundation for the sauce. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute to ensure it’s fragrant without burning.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Now, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This meaty layer is essential to infuse hearty flavor and texture into your casserole.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and (if you like a little heat) red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine, letting those herbs bloom into the meat for around a minute to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, so the cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of tortellini beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Grab a large baking dish and combine your cooked tortellini with the sauce mixture, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns beautifully golden.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once baked, pull your casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes – this helps everything set so it’ll hold together when you serve. Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of green and extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds not only a lovely color contrast but also brightens up the rich flavors of the baked tortellini casserole recipe. For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so pairing it with light, fresh sides is a winning idea. Consider a crisp mixed green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables to complement the creamy casserole without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe into a fun party dish by serving it in individual ramekins or skillets. You can also layer it with extra cheese in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase those inviting layers. Add some toasted breadsticks or focaccia on the side for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a perfect next-day meal. Leftover Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe keeps well for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
This casserole is a great candidate for freezing. Prepare the dish as usual but skip the final bake step. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding some extra baking time until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. To keep it moist, cover it with foil. The cheese may get a little crispy around the edges, which adds a delightful texture contrast!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions before combining it with the sauce for your baked tortellini casserole recipe.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want to lighten up the dish or make it vegetarian-friendly.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely. A good-quality store-bought marinara works perfectly and keeps the recipe quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work wonderfully and add color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the meat.
How spicy is this casserole?
The optional red pepper flakes provide a mild kick, but you can leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder, family-friendly version of the baked tortellini casserole recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe is a true comfort food champion — it’s cozy, cheesy, and packed full of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, bringing smiles to the table with every delicious bite. Give it a try soon and watch how easily this simple recipe becomes a beloved go-to!
Print
Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious Baked Tortellini Casserole features cheese tortellini in a rich and creamy marinara sauce with ground beef or Italian sausage, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini, refrigerated
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to be combined with the sauce.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and flavor.
- Brown Meat: Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Season Meat Mixture: Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste to create a well-balanced sauce.
- Add Sauces: Pour in marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini with the prepared sauce mixture. Toss gently until the tortellini is well coated with sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top of the tortellini and sauce.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating a perfectly cooked casserole.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set and make serving easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Red pepper flakes are optional, but add a nice subtle heat.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but freshly grated cheese melts better.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
