🍕 Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole – A Gooey, Cheesy Family Favorite

If you love cheese tortellini, and you adore the bold, comforting flavors of a good pepperoni pizza, this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is your dream come true. Rich, bubbly, and satisfying, it’s everything you love about pizza and pasta, rolled into one simple, oven-baked dish.

This casserole takes humble ingredients—cheese-stuffed tortellini, melty Velveeta, mozzarella, and classic pepperoni—and turns them into a gooey, crave-worthy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or potlucks, it’s a hearty recipe that brings everyone to the table fast.

Let’s dive into why this comforting combo is about to become your new go-to.

---

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Cheesy Comfort: Layers of gooey cheese in every bite.
• One-Pot Simplicity: Easy prep, even easier cleanup.
• Kid-Approved: Pizza flavors in a creamy pasta dish? Yes, please.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and bake fresh when needed.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or spice it up!

Whether you’re looking to satisfy picky eaters or feed a crowd, this dish is always a winner.

---

🛒 Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish shine:

🍝 Pasta & Cheese Base:

• 16 oz Cheese-Stuffed Tortellini – These pillowy pasta bites are packed with cheesy goodness.
• 8 oz Original Velveeta Cheese – Adds that unmistakable creamy melt.
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese Blend (mozzarella-based) – For added stringy texture and flavor.

🧄 Sauce Components:

• 2 Garlic Cloves, chopped – Aromatic base for the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil – Helps soften the garlic and adds richness.
• 2 cups Whole Milk – Creates a silky, creamy cheese sauce.
• ½ tsp Italian Seasoning – Adds that classic pizzeria herb flavor.

🍕 Pizza Flavor Toppings:

• 2 oz Pepperoni, quartered – Mixed into the pasta for flavor in every bite.
• ½ cup Pizza Sauce – Brings that tomato zing.
• Sliced Pepperoni – For a golden, crispy topping.
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully on top.

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish (9×13 works well) and set aside.

2. Sauté Garlic

In a 3-quart pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant—don’t let it burn.

3. Build the Cheese Sauce

Add whole milk and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir until the milk begins to steam—not boil. Lower the heat and add Velveeta cubes and shredded cheese blend, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Pro Tip: Keep the heat low and stir often to avoid curdling or scorching the milk.

4. Add Pasta & Pepperoni

Once your cheese sauce is smooth, turn off the heat (but keep the pot warm). Stir in the cooked cheese tortellini and quartered pepperoni. Fold gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the cheesy tortellini mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spoon pizza sauce over the top and swirl gently with a spoon or spatula—this creates gorgeous streaks of flavor without overwhelming the creaminess.

6. Top It Off

Layer with sliced pepperoni and finish with shredded mozzarella to create that classic pizza topping effect.

7. Bake & Broil

Bake uncovered on the center rack of the oven for 25 minutes. Then, switch to broil on high for 3–4 minutes to crisp the pepperoni and brown the cheese.

8. Cool & Serve

Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

---

🍽️ What to Serve With This Casserole

This dish is indulgent and filling on its own, but here are a few pairings that balance it out:

• Fresh Garden Salad – Bright greens with vinaigrette cut through the richness.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – To scoop up the cheesy sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – A simple veggie side.
• Red Wine or Sparkling Water – Depending on your crowd!

---

🔁 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze baked or unbaked casserole, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and bake just before serving!

---

🔄 Customization Ideas

Add-In / Swap	How It Transforms the Dish
Cooked Sausage or Ground Beef	Makes it meatier—great for hearty appetites.
Sautéed Mushrooms or Bell Peppers	Adds flavor and texture—roast before adding.
Spicy Red Pepper Flakes	Bring the heat for spice lovers.
Spinach or Kale	Stir into the sauce for extra nutrition.
Alfredo Sauce	Swap for a richer white pizza flavor.

---

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook it according to package directions and drain well before adding to the sauce.

Is Velveeta necessary?
Velveeta gives the casserole its signature creamy texture. You can substitute with cream cheese or more mozzarella, but it won’t be as velvety.

What’s the best way to reheat?
For best results, reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the pepperoni or use plant-based alternatives.

---

Print