This Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole is a warm, cheesy delight that everyone will love! It’s packed with tender tortellini, creamy sauce, and lots of bubbly cheese on top.
What’s better than a dish that practically cooks itself? I enjoy making this on busy nights. Just throw it together and let the oven do the magic—yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is fantastic for this dish, bringing a lovely texture. If you can’t find it, frozen tortellini works too—just adjust cooking time.
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its flavor, but you can use ground beef or turkey if you’d prefer a leaner option. Or, go for a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist!
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives the casserole a creamy element. If you don’t have any, cottage cheese can be a substitute, though it’s a bit different in texture and flavor.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella provide great taste and texture. If you’re a cheese lover like me, consider adding provolone or gouda for more depth. Dairy-free cheese also works if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Has the Perfect Texture?
Getting the right texture in this casserole is key for a great experience. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Cook tortellini just until al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them mushy.
- Mix the sauce and cheese gently. You want to coat everything but avoid breaking the tortellini.
- Don’t skip the rest time after baking! Letting it sit for 5 minutes makes slicing and serving easier.
These small tips can really elevate your casserole to the next level, making sure each bite is delicious!
Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 package (about 20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven. With a little time to let it cool after baking, you can have this wonderful dish ready to enjoy in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish so that your baked masterpiece doesn’t stick!
2. Cook the Tortellini:
Next, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them well and set them aside for later. You’ll want them firm since they’ll cook more in the oven!
3. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet, brown the ground Italian sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s aromatic. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce and add your Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), and a good amount of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked tortellini, the meat sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—be careful not to break the tortellini!
7. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the tortellini mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese for that extra cheesy goodness.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your home will be filled with the tempting aroma of a fresh bake!
9. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a fresh touch. Then, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your Million Dollar Tortellini Casserole!
Your family and friends will absolutely love the delicious, cheesy goodness of this casserole—it’s a meal that brings everyone together!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well; just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground Italian sausage with brown lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based sausage. It will still be delicious and hearty!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it—no need to thaw!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven—just add a splash of sauce to keep it moist!