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
Scale
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.
