Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty, delicious casserole combining cheesy tortellini with savory Italian sausage, smoked turkey, pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, it bakes into a bubbly, cheesy delight perfect for pizza lovers seeking a comforting pasta bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled smoked turkey or beef (about 6 strips worth)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish evenly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix Sauce and Meats: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce with the cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, smoked turkey or beef, and half of the pepperoni slices. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients together.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked tortellini over the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the tortellini to thoroughly coat the pasta.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the dish. Arrange the remaining halved pepperoni slices on top for extra flavor and presentation.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with optional sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini as per convenience; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can substitute smoked turkey with cooked ground beef or any other preferred meat.
- Marinara or any pizza sauce works well; homemade sauce enhances flavor.
- Covering loosely with foil helps prevent the top from drying while baking.
- For extra crispiness, broil uncovered for 1–2 minutes at the end if desired.
