If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe brings together tender cheese tortellini, hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and layers of gooey, golden mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. The combination of rich flavors and textures makes this casserole a true gem to add to your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors with an irresistible texture. From the tender tortellini to the blend of cheeses and the Italian seasoning that brings it all together, every component shines in this dish.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini: The star pasta, choosing fresh or refrigerated tortellini adds a tender bite that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory depth and protein, perfectly complementing the creamy cheeses.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor that balances the richness of the cheeses and beef.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Contributes creaminess and a subtle sweetness that blends perfectly into the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, golden layer that makes the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the casserole’s flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian warmth and aromatic depth.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the casserole.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the savory profile.
How to Make Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole to golden, bubbling perfection by the time your preparation is complete.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—usually boiling for just a few minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain thoroughly to avoid excess water in your casserole, which keeps it rich and creamy instead of watery.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy, while still retaining the meat’s juicy flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce and Cheeses with the Beef
To the skillet with browned beef, add marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s a harmonious, creamy mixture with layers of vibrant flavor ready to coat the tortellini.
Step 5: Mix the Tortellini with the Beef Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and cheese sauce mixture. This step ensures every piece of pasta is beautifully coated and infused with flavor, setting the stage for a cohesive casserole.
Step 6: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top in an even layer, which will melt and create that signature golden, bubbly crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for the cheese on top to become beautifully golden and bubbling, signaling that the dish is perfectly hot and ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to meld even more deliciously.
How to Serve Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. This not only elevates the visual appeal but also introduces a pop of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to sop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Light steamed veggies also offer a refreshing balance to the hearty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, turning this cozy casserole into an elegant starter or party dish. You could even layer it in a clear glass baking dish for a vibrant presentation that showcases every gooey layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking again to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions but be mindful to cover and heat evenly to keep the cheese melty and the dish moist.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just brown it thoroughly and proceed with the recipe as usual for a delicious variation.
What type of tortellini is best for this casserole?
Cheese-filled tortellini is classic and gives a lovely creamy center that complements the beef and sauce. You can also try spinach or mushroom tortellini for a subtly different flavor profile.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses standard tortellini, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free tortellini to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive or celiac diets without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead. This keeps the casserole hearty and flavorful while catering to vegetarian preferences.
How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?
This casserole is mild and family-friendly as is, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or serving with a spicy marinara sauce if you love a little extra spice.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that feels both effortless and special. Give it a try and you’ll have a new favorite that makes busy nights brighter and gatherings cozier. Once you taste those layers of gooey cheese, savory beef, and tender tortellini, you’ll wonder how you lived without it all this time!
Print
Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and comforting Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole featuring tender cheese tortellini baked with a savory mixture of ground beef, marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses. This hearty casserole is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
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: Cook 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, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: Add marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir well to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Mix Pasta and Meat Sauce: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined 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, until the cheese on top 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 flavors to settle.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley on top before serving can enhance the freshness and presentation.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
