Description
This Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish that layers cheese tortellini with flavorful ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, and a blend of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine sauce and seasonings: Add the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Mix with tortellini: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the tortellini and beef mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Using fresh tortellini will yield a softer texture, but frozen works well too.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to beef.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and reheated; just cover with foil while baking to prevent over-browning.
- Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
