When pizza meets pasta, magic happens! This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines the cheesy, meaty goodness of your favorite pizza with tender, flavorful tortellini for a one-pan meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing weekend dinner, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with sausage, beef, bacon, and pepperoni, it’s a meat lover’s dream.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Cheesy Comfort: Gooey mozzarella and savory pizza sauce create that perfect pizza flavor.
- Quick and Easy: On the table in just over half an hour!
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 12 ounces tortellini pasta (cheese-filled or your favorite variety)
- 1/2 pound Italian ground sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni, for topping
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the cooked chopped bacon.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Add the pizza sauce to the skillet, stirring until well combined with the meat mixture.
- Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
Step 4: Top and Melt
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let it steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates and serve hot. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Tips for Success
- Tortellini Choices: Cheese-filled tortellini works best for that classic pizza flavor, but you can experiment with meat- or spinach-filled varieties.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a veggie-packed twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Crispy Cheese Topping: If you’d like a crispy, golden top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make great accompaniments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta can work as a substitute if tortellini isn’t available.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Use plant-based pepperoni for topping.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the meat and sauce mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, then cook the tortellini fresh and combine just before serving.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Try shredded provolone, Parmesan, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 23g
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the best of both worlds—pasta and pizza lovers unite! With its rich, cheesy sauce and hearty mix of meats, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Easy to customize and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ready to dig in? Don’t forget to share your creations and enjoy every bite! 🍕✨
Creative Variations to Try
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is already packed with flavor, but you can easily tweak it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some exciting ideas to try:
1. Veggie Lovers Tortellini
- Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Add black olives and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Spicy Supreme Tortellini
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Use spicy Italian sausage and hot pepperoni for extra heat.
3. Four-Cheese Tortellini Bake
- Mix in ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and cheddar on top for a cheesy explosion.
4. BBQ Pizza Tortellini
- Replace the pizza sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef, and add red onions for a BBQ chicken pizza vibe.
Presentation Tips
Want to make this dish shine for a family dinner or party? Here are some simple presentation ideas:
1. Skillet-to-Table
Serve the dish directly in the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Add fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan for an inviting look.
2. Individual Portions
Scoop the tortellini into small, oven-safe ramekins. Top each with mozzarella and pepperoni, then broil for a few minutes for personalized servings.
3. Garnish for Color
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil over the finished dish to brighten it up and enhance the flavor.
Time-Saving Tips
If you’re short on time, here are a few tricks to make this recipe even quicker:
- Pre-Cooked Tortellini: Use pre-cooked or frozen tortellini to cut down on boiling time.
- Store-Bought Pizza Sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred pizza sauce for convenience.
- Pre-Cooked Bacon: Use store-bought pre-cooked bacon pieces to skip the cooking step.
Pair It With Drinks
Elevate your meal by pairing this hearty dish with the perfect drink:
- Red Wine: A bold Zinfandel or Merlot complements the rich, meaty flavors.
- Beer: A crisp lager or amber ale works wonderfully with the cheesy, saucy dish.
- Non-Alcoholic: Serve with sparkling lemonade or a simple iced tea for a refreshing balance.
Adding these sections enhances the depth of the recipe by providing creative options, time-saving tips, and ways to elevate the presentation for any occasion. Enjoy making this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish! 🍕✨
Pizza Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the cooked chopped bacon.
- Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Add the pizza sauce to the skillet, stirring until well combined with the meat mixture.
- Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring it's evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Step 4: Top and Melt
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let it steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates and serve hot. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Notes
Tortellini Choices: Cheese-filled tortellini works best for that classic pizza flavor, but you can experiment with meat- or spinach-filled varieties.
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a veggie-packed twist.
Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Crispy Cheese Topping: If you'd like a crispy, golden top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
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