Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty and flavorful baked pasta dish combining cheese tortellini with Italian sausage, smoked turkey or beef, pepperoni, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a comforting main course, this recipe brings together classic pizza flavors in a delicious casserole form that’s baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese
- 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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
Optional Garnish
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until 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, cooked smoked turkey or beef, and half of the halved pepperoni slices. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of the meat and sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked tortellini evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the pasta, making sure every piece is coated.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the tortellini and sauce. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices decoratively on top.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your meat-packed baked tortellini dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Fully cooking and crumbling the sausage before mixing ensures even flavor distribution.
- The recipe can be customized with different meats or additional vegetables for variety.
- Covering the dish while baking prevents the tortellini from drying out.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
