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Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Lily
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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