Description
A hearty and flavorful Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini casserole combining cheese tortellini with Italian sausage, smoked turkey, pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, this dish offers a comforting twist on classic pizza flavors in an easy-to-make pasta bake.
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 the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 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 package instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce with the cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, cooked smoked turkey or beef, and half of the pepperoni slices. Stir everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the cooked tortellini on top, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the pasta, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Add Cheese and Remaining Pepperoni: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the assembled dish. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, or fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Serve the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini based on availability; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can substitute smoked turkey with cooked ground beef for a different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoni and sausage to taste or dietary preferences.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to avoid sticking and for easy serving.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or onions for added nutrition and flavor.
