If you’re a fan of rich, meaty flavors and cheesy comfort food, you’ll love this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini. This recipe combines the indulgent tastes of a classic meat lover’s pizza with the comforting texture of cheesy tortellini. With a medley of ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and pepperoni, all smothered in gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s the ultimate dish for satisfying your cravings. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients:
12 ounces tortellini pasta
1/2 pound Italian ground sausage
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sliced pepperoni (as desired)
24 ounces pizza sauce
Directions:
Cook the Tortellini:
Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the diced onions in olive oil until they become soft.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season with Italian seasoning.
Drain any excess grease and return the meat mixture to the skillet. Mix in the cooked bacon.
Combine and Simmer:
Pour the pizza sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir to combine.
Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, making sure it is well-coated with the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Top and Melt:
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture.
Arrange the sliced pepperoni over the cheese.
Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let the steam melt the cheese until it’s gooey and delicious.
Serve:
Serve the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a burst of color and extra flavor. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the dish.
Side Dishes: Complement the rich flavors of the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables.
Portion Size: This dish is quite filling, so a standard serving size is about 1 cup. Adjust portion sizes based on your guests’ appetites.
Presentation: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic look, or transfer to a serving dish for a more formal presentation.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the tortellini cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label with the date for easy identification.
Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This will help maintain the texture of the tortellini and prevent it from becoming mushy. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir and check for even heating.
Avoid Overheating: When reheating, avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. Heat just until warmed through.
Related Recipes:
- Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta
- Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the cheese according to your preference. While mozzarella is used for its meltiness and mild flavor, you could substitute it with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the final dish might vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini in advance. To do so, follow the recipe up until the point where you add the cheese and pepperoni. Instead of topping and melting the cheese, cover and refrigerate the dish. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet or oven, then add the cheese and pepperoni, and melt as directed.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can make a lighter version of this dish by using lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option. To cut down on calories, you can also use less pizza sauce or substitute it with a tomato-based sauce with fewer added sugars.
Can I freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini?
Yes, you can freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you may need to cook it for a bit longer.
Conclusion:
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and comforting. The combination of savory meats, creamy cheese, and rich pizza sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Savor the ultimate comfort food with our Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini! This rich and hearty dish combines cheesy tortellini with ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and pepperoni, all smothered in gooey mozzarella and savory pizza sauce. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, it brings together the classic flavors of a meat lover’s pizza in a creamy, delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients
12 ounces tortellini pasta
1/2 pound Italian ground sausage
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sliced pepperoni (as desired)
24 ounces pizza sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the diced onions in olive oil until soft. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and crumbled. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease and return the mixture to the skillet. Add cooked bacon.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the pizza sauce and stir. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini. Simmer until well combined.
- Top and Melt: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the mixture and arrange sliced pepperoni on top. Cover, turn off the heat, and let the cheese melt.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat with the cheese and pepperoni added before serving.
To freeze, cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
