Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Imagine everything you love about a gooey pepperoni pizza… now mix that with tender, cheese-stuffed tortellini, a creamy cheese sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. That’s exactly what this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole delivers! It’s outrageously comforting, ridiculously cheesy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you just want a cozy, indulgent meal without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Comforting: Creamy cheese sauce meets the heartiness of pasta and the savory flavor of pepperoni—it’s pure comfort in a casserole dish.
• Fast and Easy: You can get this on the table in under an hour, most of it hands-off. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Kid-Approved: Pizza + pasta = love. This is one of those dishes the whole family gets excited about.
• Customizable: Whether you’re in the mood for extra veggies, spicy toppings, or a different cheese blend, this dish welcomes your personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this glorious casserole—and why each one matters:

• Cheese-Stuffed Tortellini: The backbone of the dish. These little pasta pockets add richness and texture that’s impossible to resist.
• Garlic: Adds an aromatic base to the sauce. Don’t skip this—it builds flavor from the very beginning.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and give it that golden, nutty edge.
• Whole Milk: Makes the cheese sauce creamy and smooth. Lower-fat milk works, but whole milk gives the best mouthfeel.
• Dry Italian Seasoning: Brings in those classic pizza flavors—oregano, basil, and a hint of thyme.
• Velveeta Cheese: Yes, Velveeta. It melts like a dream and gives the sauce its signature creamy consistency.
• Shredded Cheese Blend (mozzarella-based): For extra stretch and richness in the sauce. Think of it as leveling up the cheesiness.
• Quartered Pepperoni: Mixed into the casserole for little bursts of salty, meaty flavor in every bite.
• Pizza Sauce: Swirled on top to add acidity and that unmistakable pizzeria taste.
• Sliced Pepperoni: For topping. Because no “pizza” casserole is complete without it.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top and creates that irresistible golden crust when broiled.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are some fun spins:

• Veggie-Packed: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the cheese sauce for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Meaty Upgrade: Add cooked sausage or crumbled bacon along with the pepperoni.
• Cheese Swap: Try provolone, fontina, or a smoked mozzarella for deeper flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap tortellini with cooked cauliflower florets—surprisingly tasty with that same cheesy goodness.

How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Garlic

In a pot over medium heat, cook chopped garlic in olive oil for about a minute, just until golden and fragrant. This builds your flavor base.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Pour in the whole milk and add Italian seasoning. Heat until the milk starts to steam. Lower the heat, then stir in the cubed Velveeta and shredded cheese blend until everything is silky and smooth.

Step 3: Combine with Tortellini and Pepperoni

Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the warm burner. Add your cooked tortellini and quartered pepperoni. Stir gently until everything is well coated in the luscious cheese sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Dollop pizza sauce over the top and swirl it in slightly—you want pockets of sauce, not a full mix.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Layer slices of pepperoni across the top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then broil on high for 3-4 minutes to get that golden-bubbly top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook Tortellini Just Until Tender: You want them to hold their shape and not get mushy in the oven.
• Broil at the End: This step makes all the difference. It crisps the pepperoni and gives the cheese that crave-worthy golden crust.
• Use Room-Temp Cheese: This helps everything melt more evenly in the sauce.
• Don’t Over-Mix the Pizza Sauce: Just a gentle swirl keeps the flavor pockets exciting.

How to Serve

This casserole is a one-dish wonder, but you can absolutely round it out with a few tasty sides:

Garnishes:

Sprinkle with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dusting of parmesan cheese.

Side Dishes:

A crisp Caesar salad or simple garlic bread makes the perfect pairing. Or go classic with a side of roasted broccoli.

Meal Idea:

Serve it straight from the dish at the center of your table with a big spoon—family style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add a little milk or sauce if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have Velveeta?
No problem—use cream cheese or more shredded cheese instead. Velveeta gives the smoothest texture, but other options will still be delicious.

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce. Be sure to drain them well so your sauce doesn’t get watered down.

Is this spicy?
Not at all! It’s kid-friendly as written, but you can easily add spice with hot pepperoni or chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza night—made even cozier. It’s cheesy, rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Go ahead and make it your own—you really can’t go wrong!

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