Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for when you want the decadence of a lasagna without the tedious layering of flat noodles. Using refrigerated tortellini is the pro-move here—they are tender and flavorful, providing a “cheese-inside-cheese” experience. The dollops of ricotta create creamy pockets throughout the dish, while the blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives you that perfect golden, bubbly crust.
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Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Pasta & Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Refrigerated cheese tortellini | 20 oz |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) | 1/2 lb |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cheese Layer:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Ricotta cheese | 1/2 cup |
Optional Add-Ins:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Diced onion | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
How To Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure no cheesy bits get stuck to the sides.
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Step 2: Boil the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions (usually just 3/5 minutes). Drain them immediately.
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Tip: Under-cook the pasta by about 1 minute. Since it will sit in the sauce in a hot oven for another 30 minutes, this prevents the tortellini from becoming “mushy.”
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce: If using meat, brown the beef or sausage in a skillet and drain the grease. Stir in the marinara, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Layering the Goodness:
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Bottom: A thin layer of sauce.
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Middle: Half the tortellini, half the remaining sauce, and dollops of the ricotta. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and cheddar.
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Top: Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce, then finish with a heavy layer of all the remaining cheeses, ending with the Parmesan.
Step 5: The Two-Stage Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10/15 minutes. This stage is critical for getting those crispy, browned cheese edges!
Step 6: The Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5/10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly so it stays on the pasta rather than pooling at the bottom of the plate.
