This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that combines the flavors of a classic meat lover’s pizza with the indulgent texture of cheesy tortellini. It’s a hearty, one-pan dish that’s packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and rich marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the most carnivorous appetites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of pizza and pasta in one dish.
- Made in just one pan for easy cleanup.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite toppings or meats.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- A kid-friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Italian sausage
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the marinara or pizza sauce, followed by the cooked bacon pieces and a portion of the pepperoni slices. Stir to combine.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Place the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with Italian seasoning before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the meats for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
- Different Cheeses: Try a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a richer flavor profile.
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 well in this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. What other meats can I use?
You can add ground beef, diced ham, or cooked chicken as alternatives or additions to the meats listed.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Cover and refrigerate, then reheat and add cheese before serving.
4. What type of marinara sauce works best?
Any marinara or pizza sauce you love will work. For added flavor, choose one with garlic or Italian herbs.
5. Can I bake this dish instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, add the cheese and pepperoni, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
6. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Tortellini doesn’t freeze well after cooking, but you can freeze the meat sauce separately.
7. Can I use fresh tortellini?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.
8. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
9. How do I prevent the cheese from getting too oily?
Use part-skim mozzarella or drain excess fat from the meat before adding the cheese.
10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a quick and satisfying meal that combines the best parts of pizza and pasta. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food. Customize it to your liking and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines the cheesy goodness of tortellini with all the best pizza toppings—pepperoni, sausage, and bacon—baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. A hearty, comforting dish perfect for pizza and pasta lovers alike!
Ingredients
- For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large casserole dish.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce with the cooked sausage, bacon, and half of the pepperoni. Stir well.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the dish, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all the pasta is coated.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dish. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for a classic pizza look.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Notes
- You can customize this dish with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
- For a spicy kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.