Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole
A rich and creamy baked tortellini casserole layered with seasoned meat sauce, cream cheese filling, and melted mozzarella. This easy dinner comes together in under an hour and tastes like it took all day.
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce 1 jar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
- fresh basil or parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions until just shy of done. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain fat, then stir in marinara sauce and all seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup mozzarella in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the drained tortellini until fully coated.
- Spread the creamy tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon meat sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and all Parmesan over the sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Undercook the tortellini slightly before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Fully soften cream cheese before mixing for a lump-free filling.
- Broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end for a crispier cheese top.
- Freeze assembled unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.