Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. Featuring tender tortellini pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a decadent blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, it’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Spread half of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tortellini on top of the sauce.
- Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the tortellini, then layer the remaining tortellini and meat sauce on top.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor.
- Make the casserole ahead and refrigerate for up to one day before baking.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen before baking; bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) covered for 40–45 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze the casserole before baking. When ready, bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) covered for 40–45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
What tortellini flavors work best?
Cheese or spinach-and-cheese tortellini work best for this recipe, but meat-filled tortellini can also be used for a heartier meal.
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Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort dish featuring tender tortellini pasta combined with a savory meat sauce and a decadent blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Tortellini
- 1 pound tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Meat Sauce
- 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
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Tortellini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortellini. Add the remaining tortellini and then the rest of the meat sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative to customize the dish.
- For convenience, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutrition and flavor.
- This casserole can be frozen assembled before baking; bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for 10–15 minutes.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked tortellini casserole, creamy tortellini bake, cheesy pasta casserole, comfort food pasta, easy dinner casserole
