Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that quickly becomes a family favorite. Featuring tender tortellini, a savory meat sauce, and a decadent blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
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). 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 over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce.
- Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortellini. Top with the remaining tortellini and then the remaining meat sauce.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 8: 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 9: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor.
- Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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 to cook, bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
What tortellini flavors work best?
Cheese or spinach-and-cheese tortellini work best, but meat-filled tortellini can 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 baked pasta dish combining tender tortellini, savory ground meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for comforting family meals and easy weeknight dinners, this recipe offers layers of flavor with minimal prep and baking time.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Tortellini: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, draining excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce. Dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture over the tortellini layer. Add the remaining tortellini and top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein options.
- Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) covered for 40–45 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
- Use cheese or spinach-and-cheese tortellini for best flavor; meat-filled tortellini works for a heartier dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked tortellini casserole, creamy tortellini bake, cheesy pasta casserole, ground beef pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food pasta
