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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 baked pasta dish featuring tender tortellini, savory ground beef or turkey meat sauce, and a decadent blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for cozy dinners or busy weeknights, this casserole combines comforting flavors with minimal effort to create a family favorite meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix 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 on top of the sauce. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the tortellini layer. Add the remaining tortellini, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake the Casserole: 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, melted, and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or plant-based protein for variation.
  • Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
  • Add vegetables such as chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutrition and flavor.
  • This casserole can be frozen unbaked; bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes covered, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked tortellini casserole, cheesy tortellini bake, ground beef pasta casserole, creamy baked pasta, easy weeknight dinner