Description
A hearty and flavorful Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Bake combining cheese tortellini with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting main course with an Italian-American twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 pound pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 pound cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned. If using, add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In the prepared baking dish, mix together the cooked tortellini, browned sausage, sliced pepperoni, chopped bacon, and marinara sauce thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Then, sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Dish: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the bake stand for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked ground beef or ham for the Italian sausage to vary the types of meat used.
- Fresh or frozen tortellini can be used; if using frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For an extra crisp cheesy topping, broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking.
