Cheesy Baked Tortellini
Ingredients:
- 1 lb tortellini (cheese or meat-filled, fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite kind)
- 1 pack (8 oz) cream cheese (softened for easier melting)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings to taste (such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini usually takes about 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini takes a bit longer.
- Drain the tortellini and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- To the skillet with the cooked ground beef, add 1 jar of pasta sauce and the pack of cream cheese.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and rich mixture. This should take about 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other seasonings you like. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large baking dish (9×13 inch), mix together the cooked tortellini and the creamy beef sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Broil (Optional):
- For a golden, slightly crispy top, turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn (you suggested 2 minutes is perfect!).
- Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. The cheesy goodness will be gooey and delicious!
Optional Add-ins:
- Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Herbs: Top with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Cheese options: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or use a combination of cheeses for more flavor.
This cheesy baked tortellini is a perfect family dinner that everyone will love, and it’s super easy to make. Great job, and I’m sure it was a big hit! 💜 Enjoy! 😊