Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce
This casserole combines tender tortellini, a rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal that's easy to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 grater for cheese
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- 12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil water and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Pour the tortellini mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.