Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole brings together two comfort food classics into one satisfying dish. It combines the rich, cheesy goodness of stuffed tortellini with the bold, familiar flavors of pepperoni pizza, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting. I particularly enjoy this recipe because it is hearty enough for a family dinner yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. When I first made it, I used store-bought tortellini and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly everything came together without sacrificing flavor. The bubbling cheese, savory sauce, and crisped pepperoni make every bite deeply comforting. This casserole is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on what you have in your refrigerator. It is a dependable recipe that pleases both adults and children, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini
Cheese-filled tortellini forms the base of this casserole. It adds richness and structure while absorbing the flavors of the sauce during baking.

Marinara sauce
A good-quality marinara sauce provides the classic pizza-style tomato base. Its acidity balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.

Pepperoni slices
Pepperoni delivers a smoky, savory bite and releases flavorful oils as it bakes, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates the signature stretchy, gooey topping associated with pizza-inspired dishes.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty layer of flavor that sharpens the overall taste and complements the mozzarella.

Italian seasoning
This blend of dried herbs reinforces the pizza flavor profile and adds aromatic complexity.

Garlic powder
Garlic powder provides subtle savory warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil prevents sticking and enhances the sauce’s richness.

Fresh basil or parsley
Fresh herbs add brightness and a clean finish when sprinkled on top after baking.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C and lightly greasing a casserole dish with olive oil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain well. Overcooking should be avoided, as the pasta will continue to soften in the oven.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Transfer half of the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle a portion of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, followed by an even layer of pepperoni slices.

Repeat with the remaining tortellini mixture, cheeses, and pepperoni. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, while baking time is about 30–35 minutes. The total time required is around 50 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven at 180°C for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave can be used, but oven reheating preserves the best texture.

Variations and Customizations

This casserole is easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences. For a meatier version, you can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute turkey pepperoni or reduce the cheese slightly.

Vegetable lovers can add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to enhance flavor and texture. For a spicier kick, crushed red pepper flakes or spicy marinara work well. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or a pizza cheese blend for a more complex flavor.

For a crispier top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the final layer before baking. These customizations make the dish versatile while preserving its pizza-inspired appeal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	42 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	980 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Cook pasta just to al dente
This prevents the tortellini from becoming overly soft during baking.

Layer evenly
Balanced layers ensure consistent flavor and proper cheese melting.

Let it rest before serving
Allowing the casserole to cool slightly helps it set and makes serving easier.

Use quality sauce
A well-seasoned marinara significantly improves the final flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well. Bake from frozen at a lower temperature until heated through.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is ideal, but meat-filled varieties also work.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetables.

How do I prevent excess grease?

Blot the pepperoni with a paper towel before layering if needed.

Can I use homemade sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara works perfectly and adds freshness.

Conclusion

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines familiar flavors in a simple baked dish. With minimal preparation and endless customization options, it is a reliable recipe that fits effortlessly into any meal plan.

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