Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe Guide
Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share with you a fun and delicious recipe that has been a hit with my family and friends: Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. This dish is a unique twist on traditional pizza flavors, combined in a comforting casserole that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or lazy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this casserole when I want the flavors of pizza without the hassle of making dough from scratch. My family goes crazy for this because it combines all their favorite pizza ingredients in a warm and cheesy bake that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover tortellini or pepperoni slices!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of cheese tortellini
– 1 jar of marinara sauce
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
– Optional: diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms
– Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of cooked tortellini. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tortellini, then add a layer of sliced pepperoni and any optional veggies you like.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
This casserole is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different toppings like olives, sausage, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. I’ve found that using fresh tortellini gives the dish a more delicate texture, but frozen works just fine in a pinch.
Variations
One variation I’ve tried is adding a layer of garlic bread crumbs on top before baking for extra crunch. However, be cautious not to overdo it as it can overpower the other flavors. Another experiment that didn’t work out so well was substituting the marinara sauce with alfredo – it resulted in a dish that was too rich for my taste.
Equipment:
If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use a cast-iron skillet or even a deep pie dish as an alternative. The key is to ensure that whatever you use is oven-safe and can hold all the layers of the casserole.
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, this casserole never lasts more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this casserole with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. It’s also great on its own as a hearty main course, especially on chilly evenings when you crave something comforting and satisfying.
Pro Tips
One lesson I’ve learned form mistakes is to avoid overloading the casserole with toppings as it can make the dish soggy. Also, make sure to let it rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is al dente.
So there you have it – a cheesy, pepperoni-packed casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy!
Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
A unique twist on traditional pizza flavors, this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for cozy gatherings or lazy weeknight dinners. It combines the flavors of pizza in a warm and cheesy bake that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- Optional: diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
-
Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
-
In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, cooked tortellini, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, and optional veggies.
-
Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
-
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.