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.

Million Dollar Baked Tortellini

Description

Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that combines cheesy goodness with savory flavors in one easy-to-make dish. This casserole features cheesy tortellini, ground beef, marinara sauce, and a variety of creamy cheeses, all baked together for a rich and indulgent meal that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s hearty, comforting, and highly customizable to fit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

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.
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.
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.

Notes

If you prefer, you can swap ground sausage for ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta for a lower-fat alternative.
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
For added flavor, sauté onions or bell peppers with the ground beef.
To reheat leftovers, microwave individual servings or bake at 350°F until hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 714 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 1752mg
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg