Baked Tortellini Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here's a recipe that serves 6-8 people:
**Ingredients:**
For the casserole:
* 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
* 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 cup (250ml) marinara sauce
* 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
* 1 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup (60g) grated mozzarella cheese
* 1 tsp (5g) dried basil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 cup (115g) bread crumbs
* 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For alternative versions:
* Add some spice with 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pepperoncini or diced jalapeños
* Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
* Add some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms
* Replace the ground beef or turkey with sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option
* Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta, mozzarella, or feta, for a unique flavor
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Preheat your oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the tortellini:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. **Brown the ground beef or turkey:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. **Add the marinara sauce:** Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. **Combine the sauce and tortellini:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, the meat sauce, and the chopped parsley (if using). Toss until the tortellini is well coated.
6. **Assemble the casserole:** In a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish, spread half of the tortellini mixture in the bottom. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese on top.
7. **Top with bread crumbs:** Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the cheese.
8. **Bake the casserole:** Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
9. **Let it rest:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the casserole more crispy, broil the top for an additional 2-3 minutes after removing the foil. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
* Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or feta, to create a unique flavor profile.
* Add some heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
* Use leftover tortellini or meat sauce to make the casserole more convenient.
* Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
By following these steps and tips, you'll create a delicious Baked Tortellini Casserole that's sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Must Tried Recipes :
