This dish combines tender beef, creamy cheese, and delightful tortellini baked together to create a flavorful casserole that your family will love. It's the epitome of Italian comfort food, bringing together the savory essence of ground beef with the rich, gooey goodness of cheese.
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to start heating while you prepare the casserole.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Prepare the tortellini: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Layer the ingredients: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the tortellini, followed by the beef and cheese mixture, and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining tortellini and top with the rest of the marinara sauce.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
