Turkey & Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake (Serves 10–12)

Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and perfect for a crowd.

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot; casings removed if in links)

3 (20–22 oz) bags frozen cheese tortellini

2 jars (24 oz each) spaghetti/tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)

1 medium onion, diced

4–5 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups shredded mozzarella

1 cup grated Parmesan

1–1½ cups ricotta (depending how creamy you want it)

Pepperoni (optional, could be fire though)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2–3 cups fresh spinach (optional but excellent)

½–1 cup water or broth (varies by method)

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🍲

INSTANT POT METHOD (Fastest)

1. Brown the meats

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Turn IP to Sauté.

Add olive oil, onion, garlic → sauté 2–3 minutes.

Add ground turkey + Italian sausage, breaking up as it cooks.

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Cook until browned (sausage should be fully cooked).

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1. Layer (don’t stir)

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Add spinach on top of meat.

Pour frozen tortellini on top.

Pour in 2 jars of sauce and 15 oz crushed tomatoes.

Add ½ cup water.

Do not stir (prevents burn warning).

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1. Pressure cook

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Seal lid.

Select Pressure Cook – 3 minutes.

Quick release immediately when done.

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1. Add the cheese

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Stir everything together.

Add:

1–1½ cups ricotta

1 cup mozzarella

½ cup Parmesan

Stir until melty and creamy.

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1. Optional: broil for a golden top

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Transfer to a large casserole dish.

Top with the remaining mozzarella + Parmesan.

Broil 3–4 minutes until bubbly and browned.

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🔥

OVEN METHOD (Best Cheesy Top)

1. Cook meats + sauce

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Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large pot/skillet:

Add olive oil → onion → garlic.

Add turkey + sausage and cook fully.

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes.

Stir in spaghetti sauce + crushed tomatoes.

Add spinach.

Simmer 5 minutes.

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1. Combine with tortellini

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Add the frozen tortellini directly to the sauce.

Add ½–1 cup water if sauce is very thick (tortellini absorbs some moisture).

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1. Assemble

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Pour mixture into a 9×13 pan + additional dish (or two 9×13s).

Drop spoonfuls of ricotta across the top.

Cover with mozzarella + Parmesan.

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1. Bake

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Bake 30–35 minutes, uncovered.

Top should be bubbling and lightly browned.

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⭐ Optional but Great Add-Ins

Sliced mushrooms

Bell peppers or zucchini

Fresh basil on top

A splash of heavy cream for a pink sauce

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