Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole: Comfort Food, Sorted!

Ever get that craving for something totally comforting? Something that hugs you from the inside out? Honestly, that's how I feel about this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole .

This isn't just any pasta dish; it's a cheesy, saucy slice of heaven!

What’s the Deal with This Casserole?

This recipe is my spin on classic Italian comfort food casserole recipes . It's inspired by the classic baked pasta, but elevated with yummy cheese tortellini and a killer tomato sauce.

This Italian Tortellini Casserole is super simple, taking about 50 minutes total. You'll get about six servings, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Tortellini Casserole

One of the best things about this recipe? It's proper soul food. The tomato sauce is rich in antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes.

It's also perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a bit of cheering up. What makes it special? The combination of cheesy tortellini pasta bake and a tangy tomato sauce creates the perfect flavour explosion.

Plus, it's easy. A proper win-win.

Now, let’s get down to the ingredients, shall we? For the sauce, you'll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then grab 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

You'll also need 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, and 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce. Don’t forget those essential Italian herbs: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.

Time to Cook: Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty simple stuff you can find at your local supermarket.

Nothing too fancy, promise! I can even tell you about my Easy Tortellini Casserole Recipe journey, my mum taught me, but only after several failed attempts, burnt cheese, and a kitchen that looked like a bomb went off.

.. Ah, good times.

Main Ingredients for a Cheesy Tortellini Bake In Casserole Dish

Here’s what you'll need for a delightful Baked Tortellini Casserole :

For the Sauce:

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Use a decent one, not the cheap stuff.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Roughly 2 teaspoons . Fresh is always best.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794 g). Quality tomatoes make a world of difference! San Marzano if you're feeling fancy.
• Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425 g).
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried basil: ½ teaspoon .
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
• Dry red wine: ½ cup (120ml) (optional, but seriously, do it! Merlot or Chianti works).

For the Casserole:

• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: 20 ounces (567 g). The fresher, the better.
• Ricotta cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container (425g). Full fat ricotta is the way to go. Trust me.
• Large egg: 1 , lightly beaten.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (30 g).
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (approx. 225g), divided. Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully.

Seasoning Notes for Your Italian Tortellini Casserole

This Tortellini Pasta Bake is all about that classic Italian flavour.

The oregano and basil are key. Don't skip them . Red pepper flakes add a nice warmth if you’re into that.

A little red wine really deepens the sauce. For a richer flavour, add a bay leaf while simmering, but remove before serving.

Garlic powder can boost the flavour if you're missing fresh cloves.

Equipment Needed for the Comfort Food Casserole Recipe

Alright, for this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Ricotta , you won't need much:

• Large skillet or saucepan. For the sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish (23x33 cm). I love my glass one.
• Mixing bowl. For the ricotta mixture.

Don't have a fancy baking dish? Honestly, any oven safe dish will do. A deep frying pan can substitute a saucepan in a pinch. Just make sure it's big enough!

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole: Comfort Food, Sorted!

Alright, let's talk comfort food. Honestly, nothing beats a warm, bubbly casserole on a chilly evening, right? I'm gonna tell you about my take on Baked Tortellini Casserole which is the bomb.

And guess what? It is surprisingly easy!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: Let's get organized. Chopping the onion and mincing garlic now saves time later. Trust me on this.

Grab your 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml), 1 medium onion , and 2 cloves of garlic . You do not want to be rushing and potentially hurt yourself! It's all about enjoying the process.

step-by-step to Casserole Heaven

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. About 5 minutes.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste , red wine, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes(optional), salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally!
4. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
5. Mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan. This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is all about the cheese!
6. Layer sauce, tortellini, ricotta mix, sauce, then mozzarella. Easy peasy.
7. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until golden and bubbly. And make sure the internal temperature is at least 165° F
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This is vital!

Pro Tips for a Class Casserole

Want a shortcut? Use store-bought marinara for a faster Easy Tortellini Casserole Recipe . No shame in that game! Also, don't overcook the tortellini! This is a common mistake and no one likes tough pasta.

If you're making it ahead, just add 10- 15 minutes to the baking time. Your Italian Tortellini Casserole will be awesome!

Right then, let's talk about making this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole the absolute best it can be, shall we? Honestly, this Easy Tortellini Casserole Recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few extra pointers never hurt, do they? I remember the first time I made something like this, my sauce was way too thin, disaster!

Don't be like me, follow these tips.

Recipe Notes

Serving Up a Treat: Presentation is Key

Right, so you've got this bubbling, Cheesy Tortellini Bake In Casserole Dish . How do you make it look amazing ? I like to let it sit for like, ten minutes after it comes out of the oven.

That gives it a chance to firm up a bit. Then, a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil really elevate the presentation.

For sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect, or some garlic bread because who doesn't love garlic bread, eh? Wash it all down with a glass of something red.

A Chianti works a treat, or even just your favourite cheap plonk!

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, I know!), let the Italian Tortellini Casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with cling film.

Pop it in the fridge and it’ll be grand for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, portion it out first.

Wrap each portion well in cling film and then foil. It'll keep in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it’s heated through, or just microwave it if you're feeling lazy.

Remixing the Classics: Variations Galore

Want to mix it up a bit? No worries. For a veggie version, chuck in some sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

If you are feeling meaty, then you could make this Tortellini Bake With Ground Beef (brown the beef and add it to the sauce).

To make it dairy-free, you can use plant based ricotta and mozzarella. It's honestly just as tasty! Or, you know? If you only have cream cheese and can't be bothered to go to the shop, you can substitute for ricotta, though it will result in a tangier flavor.

Nosh on Knowledge: Nutrition Snippets

Okay, I'm no dietician, but roughly speaking, each serving of this Baked Tortellini Casserole will give you around 450 calories , plus a decent hit of protein (about 25g) and carbs (around 40g).

And you are getting a good dose of calcium from all that cheese! It’s a Comfort Food Casserole Recipes , after all, not a kale smoothie! It's all about balance, right? You know what they say, "Everything in moderation, including moderation".

So, there you have it! A delicious, adaptable Cheese Tortellini Bake Ground Beef dish that's sure to become a family favourite.

Get in the kitchen and give it a whirl. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! I love hearing your stories (and seeing your photos!).

Happy cooking!