Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with cheesy tortellini. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.

The dish shows a close-up of a baked pasta with three main layers visible: the bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce, followed by a thick layer of creamy melted cheese which has a slightly golden brown, bubbly texture on top, and scattered on the surface are browned pieces of sausage with a crispy texture. The pasta itself looks like tortellini, pale yellow and soft, with some parts showing the melted cheese inside. Green basil leaves are placed on top as a fresh garnish. All of this is served in a round baking dish that appears white on the inside, with the background showing a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces tortellini pasta
  • ½ pound Italian ground sausage
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Sliced pepperoni
  • 24 ounces pizza sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté diced onions in olive oil until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Season the mixture with Italian seasoning and combine well.
  6. Step 6: Drain any excess grease from the meat and return it to the skillet.
  7. Step 7: Add the pizza sauce and cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring to mix everything evenly. Bring to a simmer.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni over the top. Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let the steam melt the cheese for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the meat for a spicy kick.
  • Use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Swap Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions for added veggies.
  • Top with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A round white pan filled with a baked dish showing three main layers: at the bottom, golden-brown folded pasta pieces; in the middle, a thick layer of melted white cheese with some golden spots from baking; on top, scattered bright red-orange pepperoni slices and small crispy brown bits of bacon, garnished with small green herb pieces. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth nearby and three silver forks lying beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just follow the package instructions for boiling and cook until tender before adding to the skillet.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian version.

Print

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe

This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty and satisfying dish combining cheesy tortellini with a savory blend of Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Perfect for pizza and pasta lovers looking for a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare.

  • Author: Luna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces tortellini pasta

Meat

  • ½ pound Italian ground sausage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Sliced pepperoni (amount to preference, approx. 20 slices)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Dairy

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 24 ounces pizza sauce

Instructions

  1. Boil Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of tortellini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Cook Meat: Add 1 pound ground beef and ½ pound Italian ground sausage to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to combine evenly.
  6. Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet, then return the skillet to the heat.
  7. Add Sauce and Pasta: Pour in 24 ounces of pizza sauce and add the cooked tortellini. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  8. Top and Steam Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella cheese evenly over the top along with the sliced pepperoni. Cover the skillet with a lid, turn off the heat, and let the residual steam melt the cheese for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Serve: Once cheese is melted and bubbly, serve hot and enjoy your indulgent Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of pepperoni based on your preference for meatiness.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt, though shredded works fine.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.

Keywords: tortellini, meat lovers pizza, sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian, one pan meal, pizza pasta

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