Cheesy Tortellini Bake: Easy, Delicious, and Family-Approved!

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories while maintaining creaminess.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Provolone cheese offers a similar texture and flavor at a lower price.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it for cooking the pasta.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

Remove the casing from 1.5 pounds of Italian sausage and add it to the skillet.

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and brown both meats, ensuring nice caramelization.

If there's excess fat in the skillet, use a paper towel to absorb it or strain it with a ladle.

Add 1 diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened.

Stir in about 1/4 cup of tomato paste and allow it to toast in the skillet for flavor enhancement.

Add red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for flavor.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of garlic and a handful of fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.

Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Add heavy cream to the sauce, scraping the sides to get all the tomato sauce out.

Mix in about 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.

Cook the tortellini for 2-3 minutes less than package instructions, then fold it into the sauce mixture.

Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture and combine well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens