Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
User Reviews
3.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6
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Calories
714 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
Description
This recipe starts by cooking fresh or frozen cheese tortellini just short of the package's recommended time to avoid overcooking during baking. Ground beef is browned with minced garlic, then simmered with marinara sauce to develop a seasoned meat component. The tortellini is drained and mixed into the meat sauce for even coating.
The creamy layer is made by combining room temperature cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, which adds a rich, tangy contrast to the meatiness below. The dish is assembled by layering half of the tortellini mixture, then the cheese blend, and remaining tortellini topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Covered and baked, then uncovered near the end, the cheese melts and browns nicely.
Before serving, fresh minced parsley adds a bright, fresh finish. This casserole is a comforting main dish suitable for family dinners. Variations include adding diced onions or substituting cottage cheese for ricotta based on preference. Using a quality marinara sauce enhances the flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 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 mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parsley fresh, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the tortellini for 1 minute less than the package directions state.
- While the tortellini is cooking, add the ground beef to a large, deep skillet over medium heat and cook until browned. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Drain the fat from the skillet.
- Add the marinara to the beef and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain the tortellini and add to the skillet with the beef and marinara and stir to combine.
- Add the cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to a small mixing bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Pour half of the the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the cream cheese mixture. Add the remaining tortellini and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rao's Marinara is recommended for its flavor and can be sourced affordably at Costco or Thrive Market.
- For extra flavor, diced onion can be browned with the ground beef if desired.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese without compromising taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 714 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 714kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Cholesterol | 155mg | 52% |
| Sodium | 1752mg | 73% |
| Potassium | 701mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1492IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 414mg | 41% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.