Description
A decadent and easy-to-make baked pasta casserole featuring tender cheese tortellini, a creamy, rich sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
1 (19-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 pound lean ground beef (optional)
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: If using, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gently fold the cooked tortellini and browned ground beef (if using) into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Spread half of the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Top with the remaining tortellini mixture.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
Step 11: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For best results, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes for cleaner portions. You can also assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking; just add 10-15 minutes to the covered bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
