Description
This Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole combining tender cheese tortellini with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a medley of colorful bell peppers and onions. Simmered in a rich tomato and pizza sauce seasoned with oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes, it’s topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Perfect for a family meal, this baked dish comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for baking.
- Cook the tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend all the flavors.
- Combine tortellini and sauce: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet and gently stir to combine everything evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add cheeses: Top the tortellini mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy layer on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake!
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Using fresh mozzarella can provide a creamier texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and pepperoni and adding more vegetables like mushrooms and olives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
