CHEESY BAKED TORTELLINI CASSEROLE WITH MEAT SAUCE

If you’re looking for cheap and easy dinner recipes for the family, this cheesy baked tortellini casserole is THE BEST simple weeknight meal for picky eaters!
Who doesn’t love tortellini? Cute pasta stuffed with cheese, yes please. It’s even better when it’s tossed with a creamy meat sauce and then baked with mozzarella and parmesan sprinkled over top.

This cheap and simple dinner recipe is perfect for busy moms and dads, especially on hectic weeknights when that’s all you want to do is eat and relax.

You can use fresh or frozen tortellini, it doesn’t really matter. Other than the pasta you’ll just need 4 basic ingredients: ground beef, tomato sauce, cream cheese and the shredded cheese of your choice to sprinkle over top.

Ingredients:

• 9 oz (about 2 cups) whole wheat tortellini
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef, if preferred)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground turkey (or beef) over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini and meat sauce. Mix well to coat the tortellini evenly.
7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the tortellini and meat sauce mixture to the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

WW Points (Approximate per Serving):

• The points can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s roughly 6-8 WW points per serving when divided into 6 servings.