This Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole is a hearty dish that brings cheesy goodness and pasta together in one pan! It’s easy to whip up and perfect for busy nights.
Who doesn’t love a meal that feels fancy but is super simple to make? I always enjoy leftovers, and this dish tastes great the next day too. Trust me, your family will keep coming back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here. If you can’t find cheese tortellini, you can use any filled pasta like ravioli. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente, as it will continue to bake in the casserole.
Italian Sausage: I love using mild sausage for a balance of flavors. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use meatless sausage or sautéed veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives creaminess to the dish. If you don’t have it, cottage cheese is a good substitute. Just blend it a bit to soften the texture!
Marinara Sauce: Any store-bought pasta sauce works great! You can also make your own if you have the time. For a lower-sodium option, look for reduced-sodium marinara.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Sausage for This Casserole?
Cooking the sausage properly is key to a tasty casserole. It adds so much flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat in your skillet. Add olive oil first before the onion to prevent sticking.
- Cook the onion until it’s soft, then add minced garlic for flavor.
- When adding the sausage, break it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. This ensures even cooking!
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning. This keeps the dish from becoming greasy and too rich.
Following these steps will make your casserole tasty and not too oily!
How Do I Ensure the Cheese is Perfectly Melted?
The cheese needs to be gooey and bubbly! Here are a few tips:
- Spread mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Keep the dish uncovered while baking; this allows the cheese to brown nicely.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to serve.
With these tips, your cheese will be perfectly melted and delicious every time!
How to Make Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (25 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Ideal for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to serve later!
2. Cook the Tortellini:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set it aside. This will ensure the pasta maintains its texture while baking!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a splash of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Sausage:
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step!
5. Combine the Sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Let this sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all those yummy flavors to blend together. Then, remove it from the heat!
6. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, the sausage mixture (remember to save a bit for topping), ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Gently mix everything until well combined but be careful not to over-stir!
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour the tortellini mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This ensures that every scoop will have that cheesy goodness!
8. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like, you can also add a bit of the reserved sausage mixture on top for extra flavor and texture.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
10. Let It Sit and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a little for easier serving. Before digging in, garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
There you have it! Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole hot out of the oven, paired with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheese tortellini, you can substitute it with any filled pasta like ravioli or even small pasta shapes like penne or shells. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is it Possible to Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a vegetarian sausage option or sauté a mix of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to add flavor and texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day or even the night before! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of sauce or a bit of water to keep it from drying out.
