Description
This Baked Cheesy Tortellini Casserole With Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, combining pillowy tortellini with a savory tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a hearty dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh Tortellini
- Beef Italian Sausage
- Marinara Sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 6-8 minutes, then drain excess fat and transfer to a bowl.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked sausage back into the pan and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh tortellini and cook according to package directions until slightly al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Spread a thin layer of the sausage marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce. Drop dollops of half of the ricotta cheese over the tortellini. Spoon half of the remaining sausage marinara sauce over the ricotta and tortellini layer. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, ricotta, and sausage marinara sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispier top.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the tortellini as it will continue to cook in the oven. You can enhance store-bought marinara with a pinch of sugar or fresh basil. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for added flavor.