This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is pure weeknight comfort in a single skillet—imagine tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and zippy pepperoni, all cozied up with gooey melted mozzarella and a blanket of hearty marinara. It’s honestly everything you love about a fully loaded pizza and a hearty pasta melt, fast-tracked into a meal so irresistible, you’ll want to sneak bites straight from the pan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or indulging a craving for serious flavor, this dish turns pizza night completely on its head in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to appreciate just how effortless great flavor can be. Every ingredient in Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini brings a special something to the table—think richness, tang, spice, or that undeniably cheesy pull every comfort food fan craves. Here’s how you build the magic, one shopping bag at a time:
- Olive oil: Helps brown your meats and provides a lush base of flavor for the entire dish.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): The hearty foundation—think pizza with a classic, meaty topping.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Adds extra depth, a bit of spice, and that signature pizza-shop aroma when sautéed.
- Chopped pepperoni (1/2 cup): Brings spicy, salty bursts that mimic your favorite slice, plus a little color in every bite.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Sweetness and aroma anchor the sauce and balance out the rich meats.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for Italian-inspired comfort food—add more if you’re a garlic lover!
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Classic herbal notes tie the whole “pizza” experience together.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Amp up the heat if your crew loves a little kick.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): Tangy and bright; this is what soaks into the tortellini, uniting all the flavors.
- Water (1/2 cup): Keeps the sauce properly saucy as the pasta cooks directly in the same pan.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (1 package, 20 ounces): Pillowy, cheesy pasta that truly makes this a pizza-pasta mashup.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The essential pizza ingredient—melty, stretchy, and beloved by all.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds nutty depth and irresistible savory flavor right on top.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Sprinkled at the end, these herbs make everything look and taste a little brighter.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating olive oil in a big skillet or Dutch oven. Add both the ground beef and Italian sausage, and break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. You want every crumb browned and popping with flavor—this is where your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini starts earning its name! If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it so your sauce doesn’t get weighed down.
Step 2: Sauté the Flavors
Toss in your chopped pepperoni, the diced onion, and all that minced garlic right over the sizzling meat. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, just until the onions turn soft and dreamy and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Stir in the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for the true pizza shop bouquet.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara (or pizza sauce) and splash in that half-cup of water. Stir everything until well combined, scraping up any crispy bits from the bottom for maximum savory bite. Let it come up to a happy simmer—this is where the flavors really start mingling.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Stir in your cheese tortellini and give everything a good toss so every piece is coated in the meaty, tomato-rich sauce. Cover with a lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, giving it an occasional gentle stir, until the tortellini are pillowy and perfectly tender.
Step 5: Cheese, Please!
Remove your pan from the heat. Scatter the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top, then cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes. You’ll end up with a gooey, molten cheese topping just begging to be scooped up. To finish, add a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for color and a little burst of freshness.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley is a beautiful finishing touch that wakes up all those cheesy, meaty flavors, but you can also get creative—a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, or even a quick sprinkle of red pepper flakes will make each serving pop.
Side Dishes
Nothing makes Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini more of a feast than a big green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette, or a basket of buttery garlic bread perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness. Roasted veggies or even a crisp Caesar salad make for a classic, crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your tortellini into oven-safe bowls, top with more cheese, and broil briefly for bubbling cheesy tops—just like a deep-dish pizza. Or, serve family-style right from the skillet for maximum comfort-food appeal. For parties, portion into ramekins as fun mini pizza-pasta bakes. The Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini magic is all about your personal twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and it’s a big if!) you have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container once cooled. Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini stays delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors just keep getting deeper and dreamier.
Freezing
You can totally freeze this dish for future cravings. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—cheesy pasta goodness on standby!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave portions with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally for even warmth and top with a fresh dusting of cheese if you want to up the “pizza” vibe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add a few minutes to the simmering step to ensure the tortellini are fully heated and tender all the way through. Frozen tortellini work perfectly and make this dish even more convenient.
What other meats can I add to this recipe?
Get creative! Chopped bacon or cooked ham both play well with the existing flavors and make your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini even “meatier.” You could even try crumbled cooked chicken or spicy salami for more unique twists.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a meat-free take, skip the ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, and double up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Use a plant-based sausage if you still want a hearty feel—your pizza tortellini will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the dish, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving. If you want that cheesy, just-melted topping, sprinkle on fresh cheese just before reheating and cover until oozy and perfect.
Do I need to cook the tortellini before adding it to the sauce?
Nope! That’s the beauty—just add the uncooked (refrigerated or frozen) tortellini right into the sauce. Everything cooks together, saving on dishes and making the flavors even richer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to blow away pizza night or just need a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table, give Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini a try. It’s fast, undeniably cheesy, and loaded with all the flavors you love—there’s truly nothing more comforting. Grab your skillet, gather your crew, and get ready for pasta-pizza magic in one pot!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini recipe. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best of pizza and pasta in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup water
For the Tortellini:
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Brown ground beef and sausage. Add pepperoni, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in marinara sauce and water, simmer.
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in cheese tortellini, cook until tender. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, cover until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy hot.
Notes
- This dish can be baked as a casserole for a different twist.
- Enhance the meaty flavor by adding chopped bacon or cooked ham.
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