Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Bake combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon with cheesy tortellini and rich marinara sauces. Topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, this baked casserole delivers all the comfort and taste of a pizza in a convenient pasta dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
Meats
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Cook the Meats: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Combine Meat with Sauces and Seasonings: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in marinara sauce, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Mix Tortellini with Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the meat sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir until the tortellini is coated evenly with the sauce and meats.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses over everything.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and turns lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in sliced black olives or diced bell peppers before baking.
- To increase spiciness, substitute hot Italian sausage or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
