Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Your Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole recipe sounds absolutely delightful! Here’s a formatted version for easier reference:


Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of frozen cheese tortellini (~20oz)
  • 1 jar of marinara sauce (~24 oz)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • Seasonings based on your taste (i.e., garlic powder, salt, pepper, etc.)

Pro Tip: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef or substitute it with your favorite meat alternative.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Tortellini: Cook the frozen cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and your desired seasonings. Stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the foil from the baking dish and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Customize the Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce or tomato-based pasta sauce for this recipe. You can also add additional herbs and spices to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Add Veggies: Incorporate diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the casserole for added nutrition and texture.
  • Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the casserole mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Substitute the cheese tortellini with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
  • Use a low-carb marinara sauce or make your own keto-friendly tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Replace the cheese tortellini with shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb alternative.
  • Omit the marinara sauce and opt for a creamy Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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