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
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: 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.
