This Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole is a creamy and cheesy delight! With cheese tortellini, rich sauce, and lots of gooey cheese on top, it’s comfort food at its finest.
This dish is perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. It’s so easy to make, you might just feel like a million bucks when serving it! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: This dish really shines with cheese tortellini. If you want a lighter option, you could use spinach or vegetable tortellini instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For a leaner choice, try ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a meatless meal, use mushrooms or lentils for texture and flavor!
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce is key, but you can substitute homemade tomato sauce if you prefer. Just add a touch of herbs for that extra flavor.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: I lean towards ricotta for creaminess, but cottage cheese works just as well. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based ricotta.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds gooeyness, while Parmesan brings depth. Use any melting cheese here—provolone or fontina are great alternatives!
How Can You Make Sure Your Casserole Is Creamy and Delicious?
To achieve a creamy and cohesive casserole, blending the cheeses properly is essential. Here’s how:
- Mix the cottage or ricotta cheese and sour cream with half the mozzarella and Parmesan thoroughly until smooth. This ensures every bite has that creamy goodness.
- Layer the tortellini and meat sauce carefully, pressing down gently to help them combine while keeping some texture.
- Don’t skimp on baking time! Ensure the cheese is bubbly and golden for that irresistible topping. A few extra minutes can make all the difference.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set a bit for easier slicing! Enjoy!
Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Including time to boil the tortellini, you should be enjoying your creamy dish in less than an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake the casserole when you’re finished preparing it.
2. Cook the Tortellini:
Cook the cheese tortellini in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain the tortellini and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once it’s done.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Add the marinara or spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to your taste. Remove from heat.
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended and creamy.
7. Combine Ingredients:
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce until everything is well combined.
8. Assemble the Casserole:
In a large casserole dish, start by spreading half of the tortellini-meat mixture on the bottom. Then, spoon dollops of the cheese mixture over this layer. Finish by topping with the remaining tortellini mixture.
9. Add the Final Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your casserole.
10. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole with your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw it. Simply cook it according to the package instructions, usually adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the meat for additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils for protein. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for any vegetables that may need extra sautéing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish or back in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes quite well. To freeze, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before baking. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, just add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
