Million Dollar Baked Tortellini

Name: Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini; 1 pound ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 24 ounces marinara sauce; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup ricotta cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; ½ cup shredded Parmesan; ¼ cup minced fresh parsley

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If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that will satisfy the whole family, Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is the perfect choice. This dish combines rich, cheesy tortellini with flavorful marinara and ground beef, all baked together to create a cheesy, saucy casserole that’s sure to become a favorite. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is not only delicious but also a great option for busy weeknights.

Why Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is the Perfect Comfort Food

Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that combines everything you love about a cozy casserole with the flavors of a traditional Italian pasta dish. This recipe is hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a great option for family dinners, meal prepping, or when you’re craving a satisfying, cheesy meal. The combination of creamy cheeses and tender pasta enveloped in a savory marinara sauce makes every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re serving it to kids, guests, or just for yourself, this baked tortellini casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the best part is that it takes less than an hour to prepare, making it perfect for those evenings when you need a meal that’s both quick and satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients needed for this delicious Million Dollar Baked Tortellini:

Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, offering a tender, cheesy bite in every forkful.
Ground beef: Adds a savory depth to the casserole with its rich, meaty flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic and robust flavors.

Marinara sauce: The perfect base for this casserole, providing a tangy and savory backdrop.
Cream cheese: Creates a creamy texture that balances the acidity of the marinara.
Ricotta cheese: Adds a mild, creamy flavor that blends beautifully with the other cheeses.

Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the flavor profile, giving it a warm, savory richness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that makes this dish extra indulgent.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.

Fresh parsley: A fresh garnish to brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make this recipe suit dietary preferences or use what you have on hand, here are some ingredient swaps:

Ground sausage instead of beef: If you prefer a slightly spicier or richer flavor, sausage works beautifully in place of ground beef.

Cottage cheese instead of ricotta: For a lower-fat version or if you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese is a great substitute.
Spinach: Add some fresh spinach for an extra dose of veggies and nutrition. Simply stir it into the pasta and sauce mixture before baking.
Smoked mozzarella instead of regular mozzarella: For a deeper, more smoky flavor, use smoked mozzarella cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Million Dollar Baked Tortellini:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Drain and set aside.

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, then drain any excess fat.
Add marinara sauce to the beef mixture and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the creamy cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cooked tortellini into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top, then add the remaining tortellini on top.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to make sure your Million Dollar Baked Tortellini turns out perfectly every time:

Check for doneness: If the cheese isn’t melting as expected, you can pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two to get that golden, bubbly effect.

Flavor variations: Add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
Make-ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage: Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover the entire casserole with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Million Dollar Baked Tortellini pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

Garlic bread: Serve this cheesy pasta dish with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.

Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or vegetarian sausage to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Baked Tortellini

This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It combines hearty pasta, savory beef, and three kinds of cheese to create a rich, comforting dish that everyone will love. With its ease of preparation, versatility in ingredients, and ability to feed a crowd, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing leftovers for the week, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines cheesy goodness with savory flavors in one easy-to-make dish. With its rich layers of cheese, pasta, and marinara, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a cozy gathering, it checks all the boxes—comfort, flavor, and simplicity. The best part is, it’s highly customizable, so you can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Serve it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread, and you’ll have a complete meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and experience the magic of Million Dollar Baked Tortellini!

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen tortellini for Million Dollar Baked Tortellini. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the casserole. Frozen tortellini will work just as well as fresh, giving you a convenient and delicious meal.

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Tortellini ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time if needed. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy days.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make Million Dollar Baked Tortellini vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, vegetarian sausage, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

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