Cheesy Tortellini Casserole is like lasagna, minus all the time and effort. Just boil some tortellini, mix with tomato sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Dinner is ready!

Photography Credit: Elise Bauer

A Quick Casserole When You Crave Lasagna

Do you ever get a craving for lasagna, and start thinking of the different ingredients you’ll need, but stop when you remember that it will take close to two hours to make and you want something sooner rather than later?

This cheesy tortellini casserole is for those moments. It’s a bit like a baked lasagna—with pasta, cheese, tomato sauce—but a lot easier to put together.

The Secret is Frozen Cheese Tortellini

Of course, the reason it’s so easy to assemble is that you are starting with already made cheese-filled tortellini, which can usually be found in the frozen food section of your grocery store (if not, frozen ravioli would also work).

You can also use boxed tortellini or even fresh tortellini; cook it according to the package instructions until just al dente before assembling the casserole.

A Simple, Adaptable Casserole

As you boil the water for the tortellini, you make the sauce. Then toss the cooked tortellini with the sauce, put in a casserole dish, cover with Mozzarella and bake until bubbly. That’s it!

In this version we are including chopped cremini mushrooms because they taste great, and chopped chard for a healthy green. You could use spinach instead of the chard, or skip it all together.

Or you could use sausage instead of the mushrooms for a meat-based approach. This hearty vegetarian casserole is perfect for a Meatless Monday meal.

How to Store and Reheat

This casserole will keep in the fridge for about five days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole in a warm oven until warmed through.

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