Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty and delicious baked pasta dish combining tender cheese tortellini with savory Italian sausage, smoked turkey or beef, pepperoni, and a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for pizza lovers looking for a comforting casserole that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly cheesy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 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
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Combine Sauce and Meats: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the marinara or pizza sauce, cooked crumbled sausage, smoked turkey or beef, and half of the halved pepperoni slices. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine the flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of the meat-sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked tortellini evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the tortellini, ensuring all pasta is coated.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the layered tortellini and sauce. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top as a finishing touch.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, then bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with optional sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, or chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot to enjoy the full flavors and textures of this comforting baked tortellini casserole.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- You can substitute turkey or beef with any cooked smoked meat of your choice.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
