Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Bake

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 7, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of melted cheeses mingling with spicy pepperoni and rich marinara sauce. This Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Bake transforms classic pizza flavors into a comforting skillet dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this all-in-one pan meal combines hearty ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato sauce topped with layers of mozzarella and cheddar. The addition of mini pepperoni adds a flavorful bite that’s sure to please the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick one-pan meal requiring minimal cleanup.
Delicious fusion of pizza and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Beginner-friendly with easy-to-follow steps for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Ground beef (450 g): Provides a savory, protein-rich base infusing the dish with hearty flavor and texture.
Salt (2.5 mL): Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and balances the dish perfectly.
Black pepper (2.5 mL): Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
Onion powder (5 mL): Offers a subtle sweetness and savory undertone without chopping fresh onions.
Italian seasoning (5 mL): A fragrant blend of herbs bringing authentic Italian flair to the sauce.
Minced garlic (15 mL): Infuses vibrant aroma and pungent flavor that complements meat and marinara.
Marinara sauce (680 g): Rich tomato base lending tangy sweetness and moisture to the skillet bake.
Frozen cheese tortellini (540 g): Pillowy pasta filled with creamy cheese, absorbs sauce beautifully while cooking.
Cream cheese (115 g): Adds luxuriously smooth creaminess, enriching the marinara for a luscious texture.
Mini pepperoni (50 g for cooking + extra for topping): Delivers spice and crisp, enhancing the pizza-inspired profile.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (150 g): Melts seamlessly creating gooey, stretchy layers atop the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese (75 g): Imparts sharp, tangy flavor and a golden color when melted.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef: Begin by heating your large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Season it thoroughly with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon while cooking until it starts to brown and develop rich flavor and texture—this caramelization adds depth to the dish.
Add mini pepperoni and render fat: Mix in approximately 50 grams of mini pepperoni and cook for 2–3 minutes. The pepperoni crisps slightly and releases flavorful oils that infuse the beef mixture. This step amplifies the savory and slightly spicy notes of the bake.
Drain excess fat, leaving flavor: Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness, but leave a thin film behind to maintain moisture and boost flavor in subsequent steps. This ensures the dish remains rich yet balanced.
Sauté garlic to enhance aroma: Add the minced garlic to the beef and pepperoni mixture, stirring frequently for about one minute. Garlic softens as it cooks, releasing a fragrant aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Create creamy marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and add cream cheese, stirring continuously over medium heat. The cream cheese melts into the marinara, transforming it into a smooth, creamy sauce that ties together all the components beautifully.
Incorporate frozen tortellini and simmer: Add the frozen cheese tortellini right into the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the tortellini to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes until tender and heated through, absorbing the flavors around them.
Top with cheeses and extra pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top of the tortellini. Garnish with additional mini pepperoni slices for a perfectly balanced, pizza-inspired topping, creating a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Melt cheese under broiler or low heat: For a golden bubbly topping, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, cover and keep on low heat until cheese melts thoroughly and becomes bubbly. This final step develops the signature cheesy crust essential to the dish.

You Must Know

Broiling the dish adds a deliciously golden, crispy cheese layer—just watch carefully to prevent burning.
Using frozen tortellini saves cooking time without compromising texture or flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve creamy texture and prevent drying.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A light drizzle of fresh basil or chili flakes adds a bright or spicy finish if desired.

Professional Tips

For easier cleanup and even cooking, use a large non-stick skillet with a lid.
Swapping ground beef for ground turkey or sausage offers flavorful variations.
Be cautious when adding salt if your marinara or pepperoni is already salty.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?: Yes, fresh tortellini cooks faster; reduce simmer time to 2–3 minutes and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?: Absolutely! Substitute ground beef and pepperoni for plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: You can assemble the dish and refrigerate before cooking, but add tortellini fresh to ensure optimal texture during cooking.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?: Ricotta or mascarpone work as creamy alternatives but may alter the flavor slightly; adjust seasoning accordingly.
How spicy is this dish?: The mini pepperoni adds mild spiciness; adjust quantity or use milder versions to suit your taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Freezing is not recommended since cream cheese-based sauces can separate upon thawing, affecting texture.