Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Bake
This quick, all-in-one pan dish features cheese tortellini, pepperoni, and a creamy marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar, perfect for a beginner-friendly Italian-American dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet with lid
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1.75 oz mini pepperoni divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat ground beef in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking up meat, until it begins to brown.
- Add about 1/3 cup mini pepperoni to the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes until pepperoni crisps and releases oil.
- Drain excess fat, leaving a thin layer in the skillet for flavor.
- Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and cream cheese, cooking over medium heat until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Add frozen tortellini to the skillet and mix well to coat with sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until tortellini are tender.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the tortellini, then top with remaining mini pepperoni.
- To finish, either broil in a preheated oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles and lightly browns or cover and melt cheese on low heat.
Notes
- For a crispy golden top, broil until cheese bubbles and lightly browns.
- Let stand 2 minutes after cooking for best texture.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently.