Cheesy Southwest Tortellini Bake
This Cheesy Southwest Tortellini Bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress both kids and adults alike! Bursting with zesty ingredients like black beans, diced tomatoes, and spicy green chilies, this casserole is paired with tender cheese tortellini and topped with a creamy sour cream mixture. It's finished off with a generous layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese, sliced olives, fresh green onions, and cilantro. Perfect as a main dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Quick to prepare and easy to share, it's a winning recipe for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
1 (15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
cheese tortellini
9-10 (ounces, refrigerated (any type))
diced green chilies
1 (4-ounce can)
diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce can)
cumin
1/2 (teaspoon)
low-fat sour cream
1 1/2 (cups (regular can be used))
fresh lime juice
1/4 (cup)
sugar
1/2 (teaspoon)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 (cups)
black olives
1/2 (cup, sliced)
green onion
3/4 (cup, chopped)
cilantro
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, cheese tortellini, diced green chilies, canned diced tomatoes, and cumin. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the low-fat sour cream, fresh lime juice, and sugar until smooth. Carefully spread this sour cream mixture over the tortellini and bean layer in the casserole dish.
5
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sour cream layer, followed by the sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
6
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Cheesy Southwest Tortellini Bake, which combines cheese tortellini, black beans, and Southwest-inspired flavors in a casserole.
What kind of tortellini should I use?
The recipe calls for 9-10 ounces of refrigerated cheese tortellini.
Can I use regular sour cream instead of low-fat?
Yes, regular sour cream can be used as a substitute for low-fat sour cream in this recipe.
How many cans of black beans are needed?
You will need one 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The casserole bakes for a total of 50 to 60 minutes: 30 minutes covered and 20 to 30 minutes uncovered.
Do I need to cook the tortellini before adding it to the bake?
No, you can add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the mixture; it will cook while baking in the oven.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Which cheese is best for topping this bake?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, melted topping.
What type of diced tomatoes should I buy?
Use one 15-ounce can of standard diced tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes mild diced green chilies and cumin for flavor, but you can use hot chilies if you prefer more spice.
How much lime juice is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice to be mixed with the sour cream.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A half-teaspoon of sugar is added to the sour cream mixture to balance the acidity of the lime and tomatoes.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
What is the purpose of resting the dish after baking?
Letting the dish stand for 10 minutes allows the ingredients to set, making it easier to serve.
Can I add meat to this Southwest Tortellini Bake?
While this version is vegetarian, you could easily add cooked shredded chicken or browned ground beef to the bean and tortellini layer.
What toppings are added before baking?
Before baking, the dish is topped with Monterey Jack cheese, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
How many calories are in this dish?
Nutritional information such as calories is not specified in this recipe.
What seasoning provides the Southwest flavor?
The recipe uses ground cumin and diced green chilies to create a signature Southwest taste.
Is the casserole dish greased?
Yes, you should lightly grease or spray the dish with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, a Mexican blend or Pepper Jack cheese would also work well in this recipe.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped green onions.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, though you may need to extend the covered baking time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully heated through.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you do not like cilantro, you can use fresh parsley or simply omit it.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly, easy-to-share one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, tortellini, southwest, kid-friendly, easy dinner, mexican flavors, cheesy, and one-dish meal.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What is the final garnish?
The dish can be garnished with extra fresh cilantro before serving.