Description
A warm, comforting casserole featuring cheese tortellini, savory meat sauce, ricotta, and melty mozzarella — perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Boil the tortellini for 2–3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce and ricotta or cottage cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired before serving.
Notes
Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Cottage cheese is a lighter alternative to ricotta.
Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Sprinkle Parmesan on top before baking for added richness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg