Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together the hearty, meaty goodness of a pizza with the cheesy, indulgent appeal of tortellini. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this one-pot wonder is quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two family favorites—pizza and pasta—into one dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
- A hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for leftovers.
- One-pot preparation minimizes cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheese tortellini
- Italian sausage
- Pepperoni slices
- Ground beef
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, black olives, mushrooms, or onions
Directions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara or pizza sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the meat.
- Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring all pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and slices of pepperoni.
- Cover the skillet and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese and your favorite optional toppings if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meats for plant-based alternatives or load up on vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra punch.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower gnocchi instead of tortellini for a lighter option.
- Custom Toppings: Include your favorite pizza toppings like jalapeños, pineapple, or bacon bits.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese and refrigerate. When ready to serve, heat it up and melt the cheese.
3. What kind of sauce works best?
A classic marinara or pizza sauce pairs best with the meat and cheese flavors in this dish.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. What other cheeses can I use?
You can use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the other ingredients, like sauce, are gluten-free as well.
7. How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking the tortellini initially, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions for extra nutrition.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
10. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, pre-cooked sausage works well. Just chop it into pieces and add it to the sauce to heat through.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the best of pizza and pasta in one comforting meal. With its rich, meaty sauce, cheesy layers, and tender tortellini, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a quick dinner solution or a dish to impress guests, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your tastes!
PrintMeat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines the hearty flavors of a meat lover’s pizza with the comforting texture of tortellini pasta. This dish features cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a rich pizza sauce, loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and pepperoni, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- ½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni, as desired
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Meats:
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet with the onions.
- Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the chopped cooked bacon.
- Pour in the pizza sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and meats.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture.
- Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider using hot Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.
- Feel free to incorporate additional pizza toppings such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to suit your taste.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.