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Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Recipe

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3.8 from 45 reviews

Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is a hearty and cheesy Italian-inspired main course that's easy to prepare and loved by the whole family. Featuring tender cheese tortellini baked in a rich mixture of ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of cream cheese and ricotta, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish delivers comforting flavors and a satisfying texture that's perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 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 cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute so they stay firm for baking.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: While the tortellini cooks, heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  4. Simmer Meat Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir together gently until evenly combined.
  6. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Pour half of the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining tortellini mixture on top.
  8. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the assembled layers.
  9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the dish to heat through.
  10. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese and create a bubbly, golden crust.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using Rao's Marinara sauce is recommended for its rich flavor, available at retailers like Costco or Thrive Market.
  • For added flavor, consider browning a diced onion with the beef if not cooking for picky eaters.
  • Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese if preferred.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian