If you have a serious craving that combines the best of Italian comfort food with the bold, irresistible flavors of a classic pizza, then you absolutely need to try this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe. It’s basically a warm, cheesy hug filled with hearty sausage, ground beef, bacon, and pepperoni, all nestled alongside tender tortellini pasta swimming in rich pizza sauce. This dish elevates weeknight dinners by bringing together two beloved favorites in the most indulgent way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may sound simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of meaty richness, melty cheese, and vibrant tomato goodness that makes this recipe shine. From the savory Italian sausage to the creamy mozzarella, every component enhances texture, flavor, or color.
- 12 ounces tortellini pasta: The soft, cheesy pockets that soak up all the delicious sauce and meaty goodness.
- 1/2 pound Italian ground sausage: Adds spice and robust flavor with its blend of herbs and seasonings.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Brings a sweet and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 1 pound ground beef: Introduces hearty, meaty depth that every meat lover craves.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For buttery sautéing that infuses the onions and garlic with a perfect richness.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: The irresistible melty topping that pulls everything together.
- 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon: Smoky little bites that add crunch and savory layers.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and zest.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Classic herb mix for that unmistakably Italian flair.
- Sliced pepperoni (as desired): The iconic pizza topping that makes it unmistakably a Meat Lovers pizza dish.
- 24 ounces pizza sauce: Rich, tangy, and the perfect saucy backdrop that brings the whole dish together.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling the tortellini according to the package directions until they’re tender and ready to soak up all the meaty, cheesy goodness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to prepare the flavorful meat mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the diced onion until it’s softened and fragrant. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, cooking them until they’re browned and beautifully crumbled. This step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that promise deliciousness ahead. Then stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the Italian seasoning for that perfect herby touch. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily, and return the mixture to the skillet before adding the cooked chopped bacon, layering in rich smokiness.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the pizza sauce and give everything a good stir to blend all those meaty flavors together. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, making sure each pasta pillow is coated with sauce and meat. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors, creating a luscious and hearty filling that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Top and Melt
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat and tortellini mixture—this will give you that gooey, melty layer that brings the whole dish home. Arrange pepperoni slices on top to elevate it further into the realm of ultimate meat lovers’ delight. Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let the residual warmth gently melt the cheese into creamy perfection.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast and a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. The herbs lighten the richness and add a bright, garden-fresh element that complements the savory meat and cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. A crunchy garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also make fantastic companions, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe dishes topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. You can also layer it like a casserole with extra pepperoni on top for a festive meal that looks as amazing as it tastes. Hosting a game night? Present it in a large cast-iron skillet right in the center for sharing and passing around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this savory treat on hand for longer, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to melt the cheese and warm the tortellini through without drying it out. Adding a splash of water or extra pizza sauce can help keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster and add a tender texture, but make sure to adjust the cooking time and keep a close watch to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the meat for plant-based sausage and bacon alternatives, and use vegetarian pepperoni for a delicious meatless version while keeping the same bold flavors.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you could also mix in provolone or fontina for a more complex, cheesy flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Yes! Prepare up to the simmering step, then refrigerate until ready to top with cheese and pepperoni. Finish by melting the cheese right before serving for a fresh, hot presentation.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends mainly on the Italian sausage and pepperoni you choose. For a mild dish, pick mild sausage and standard pepperoni. For more heat, go for spicy varieties or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite, effortlessly turning any meal into a celebration. Its rich, melty, meaty layers wrapped around cheesy tortellini create a perfect harmony of comfort and flavor. Give it a try and prepare for your new favorite dinner that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini recipe combining cheesy tortellini pasta with savory Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon, and classic pizza toppings simmered in rich pizza sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces tortellini pasta
Meat Mixture
- 1/2 pound Italian ground sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni (as desired)
- 24 ounces pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to use in the recipe.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and crumbly. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking briefly until fragrant. Drain excess grease from the skillet and return the meat mixture back to the heat. Add the cooked chopped bacon and mix well.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the pizza sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir to combine. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini pasta, ensuring everything is well mixed. Let the mixture simmer on low heat until heated through and flavors meld together.
- Top and Melt: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the tortellini and meat mixture. Arrange sliced pepperoni pieces over the cheese. Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and sausage.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano make a great garnish to complement the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
