Tortellini Casserole

Tortellini Casserole is the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone to the table. Packed with tender beef tortellini, rose sauce, crisp broccoli, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a hearty meal that feels comforting and satisfying. Whether making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this recipe will surely impress.

I love how easy this casserole is to pull together, yet it delivers big on flavor. The creamy tomato-cheese sauce, paired with pasta and fresh veggies, creates a delicious balance that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Tortellini Casserole is a recipe you’ll keep returning to if you’re searching for a simple, flavorful dish to add to your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this casserole prepped and in the oven in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this dish’s cheesy, comforting goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it and bake it when you’re ready, making dinner stress-free.
• Customizable: Don’t love broccoli? Swap it for another veggie. Prefer a different type of tortellini? Go for it! This recipe is flexible and adaptable.
• Cheesy Comfort Food: The combination of creamy cheddar, Parmesan, and a rich tomato sauce creates that classic comfort food vibe everyone loves.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Salted Butter: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and flavor.
• Sweet Onion: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce and casserole.
• Beef Tortellini: The star of the dish, providing hearty bites of pasta and beef.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden finish after baking.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the sauce a tangy, rich base that ties everything together.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of fresh, herby flavor to brighten the dish.
• Broccoli: Brings a crunch and balance to the richness of the casserole.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy goodness throughout.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base of the sauce when combined with the flour and butter.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of earthy, savory flavor to the sauce.

How to Make Tortellini Casserole

• Step One: Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add in onions and garlic. Saute over medium heat for 3 minutes. Sprinkle on flour and stir. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add tomato sauce, salt, basil, and oregano. Cook on medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Step Two: Cook tortellini and broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain.
• Step Three: Add tortellini and broccoli to the tomato sauce mixture. Stir in cheddar cheese.
• Step Four: Put mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.

What to Serve with It

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread or breadsticks is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: Keep it light and fresh with a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette. A Caesar salad also makes a great pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Amp up the veggie factor with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful side.
• Soup: A light broth-based soup like minestrone or vegetable soup pairs well without overwhelming the richness of the casserole.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the Protein: Use chicken, cheese, or spinach tortellini instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Change the Veggies: Not a fan of broccoli? Try spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers instead. Frozen veggies work, too—thaw and drain them before adding.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a kick of heat.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Herb Lovers: Toss in fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary along with the basil for an even more herby flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella, Gruyère, or feta for a unique twist on the cheesy goodness.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through. If reheating straight from frozen, cover with foil and bake for about 60 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Prep Ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, and broccoli in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.
• Undercook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini for just a couple of minutes less than the package directions suggest. They’ll finish cooking in the oven and stay perfectly tender.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Shred your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Season as You Go: Taste the sauce before combining everything and adjust the salt, oregano, or basil to your liking. A little extra seasoning can make a big difference!
• Don’t Skip the Broccoli: The broccoli adds texture and balances the richness of the casserole. If you’re not a fan, swap it out for another veggie instead of skipping it entirely.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with Parmesan on top before baking.
• Make It Your Own: This recipe is flexible—don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients and flavors to suit your tastes.

Pasta Recipes

• Baked Chicken & Tarragon Pasta
• Spicy Sausage & Pepper One-Pot Pasta
• Garlic Shrimp with Chilli Pesto Pasta
• One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
• Slow Cooker Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Pasta
• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Grandma’s Goulash
• 5 Soup Pasta
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Mom’s Macaroni
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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You’ll also love Cheesy Corn Casserole, Pierogi Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, and Chicken Alfredo Pierogi Casserole.

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