Description
Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish featuring plump cheese tortellini nestled in a rich tomato-based meat sauce with smoked turkey bacon and ground beef. Topped with gooey plant-based cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole offers smoky depth and creamy texture for an effortless, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing)
For the Topping
- 1.5 cups shredded plant-based cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly browned. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Pour in tomato sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and Italian seasoning (natural). Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss quickly with olive oil to prevent sticking, ensuring the tortellini remains tender but firm.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini and meat sauce, folding gently to coat all pasta evenly. Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese over the top for a gooey crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops a slight golden color. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the dish to firm up for neat slices.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for a softer texture, though frozen works well too.
- Do not overcook pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking to avoid oversalting.
- Browning smoked turkey bacon and meat well enhances flavor depth.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for cleaner slices and balanced taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: baked tortellini, meat sauce casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, vegetarian option
