This cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole brings together everything you love about pizza and pasta in one comforting, oven-baked dish. Tender cheese-filled tortellini are coated in rich marinara sauce, layered with savory beef pepperoni, and finished with plenty of melted cheese for a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of familiar pizza flavors that both kids and adults enjoy. You can assemble it ahead of time, customize the toppings, and serve it as a complete meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 500 g cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 120 g beef pepperoni slices
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, pizza sauce, olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Lightly grease a medium casserole dish. Spread half of the tortellini mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese over the pasta layer.
6. Arrange half of the beef pepperoni slices evenly on top.
7. Add the remaining tortellini mixture, followed by the remaining cheeses and pepperoni.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is approximately 35 minutes, and total time is around 50 minutes.

Variations

You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and texture. Swap the beef pepperoni for cooked chicken slices if you prefer a different protein. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Cook it according to the package instructions before using.

What type of sauce works best?

A combination of marinara and pizza sauce gives the best balance of flavor, but you can use only one if preferred.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

You can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I make it extra cheesy?

Absolutely. Add an extra ½ cup of mozzarella or include a sprinkle of grated hard cheese on top.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I make it without pepperoni?

Yes, you can omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetables or another halal protein.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Covering it with foil during the first part of baking helps keep it moist.

Can I use homemade tortellini?

Homemade tortellini works great as long as it’s cooked before assembling the casserole.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, the mild flavors and cheesy texture make it very kid-friendly.

Conclusion

Cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of pizza and pasta in one bake. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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