Tortellini and Sausage Casserole
A heartwarming casserole combining savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and tender tortellini for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage Choose sweet or spicy, or substitute with turkey sausage.
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini Use fresh or frozen; adjust cooking time if using frozen.
- 3 cups marinara sauce Homemade is best, but store-bought works well.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Opt for a blend for added flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Feel free to add dried basil or oregano.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 3–5 minutes.
- If using fresh tortellini, add it directly. If frozen, boil briefly until slightly tender.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
- In a greased 9×13 casserole dish, layer sausage mixture, half of the tortellini, dolllops of ricotta, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers: sausage, remaining tortellini, final layer of sauce and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition. Fresh herbs like parsley on top can add a delightful pop of color.