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Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food dish featuring tender tortellini pasta layered with a savory meat sauce and a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this hearty casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort and is perfect served alongside a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

  • 1 pound tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tortellini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce. Dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortellini layer. Add the remaining tortellini, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Substitute Protein: Use ground chicken or a plant-based substitute for a different flavor or dietary preference.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
  • Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the meat sauce for additional nutrition and flavor.
  • Freezing: The casserole can be assembled and frozen before baking. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked tortellini casserole, creamy tortellini bake, cheesy tortellini casserole, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food casserole

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/million-dollar-baked-tortellini-casserole-recipe/