Ready for the ultimate cozy dinner mashup? This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini brings together two all-time favorites—cheesy tortellini pasta and a loaded meat lover’s pizza—in one drool-worthy, family-pleasing casserole. Each bite overflows with layers of tender tortellini, robust Italian sausage, savory ground beef, smoky pepperoni, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all blanketed in a tangy, herb-flecked pizza sauce. Whether you’re satisfying a weeknight craving or feeding a hungry crowd, this bubbly, hearty bake is sure to make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini are straightforward, but every single one plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate “pizza meets pasta” experience. From the hearty meats to the creamy cheese blend, each element brings its own irresistible flavor, satisfying texture, or a pop of tempting color.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): These stuffed pasta pillows cook up tender and provide that gooey, cheesy bite that anchors the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich base flavor and helps brown the meats to perfection.
- Ground Italian sausage (1/2 pound): Brings classic pizzeria spice and a juicy, hearty texture.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): Amplifies the heartiness factor and soaks up all the sauce flavors.
- Diced pepperoni (1/2 cup): Offers that familiar, robust pizza flavor along with a delightful, slightly crispy edge.
- Diced cooked bacon (1/2 cup): Introduces a smoky, indulgent crunch in every bite.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (2 cups): Binds everything together with tangy, tomato goodness—choose your favorite for a custom touch.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant, herby notes and that signature pizza aroma.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors with subtle depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Delivers maximum melt and that classic pizza cheese stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Gives a bright pop of color and a dash of freshness just before serving.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface and are heated through. Drain quickly to keep the tortellini tender, and set aside for that grand meat-and-cheese reunion about to happen.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the ground Italian sausage and ground beef, break them up with a spoon, and sauté until both are browned and cooked through. The kitchen will start to smell like your favorite pizza shop! Carefully drain off any excess grease for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni and Bacon
Now for the serious meat lover excitement—stir in the diced pepperoni and already-cooked bacon. Let everything sizzle together for another 2 minutes so the pepperoni edges get a little crispy and the bacon flavor infuses every bite.
Step 4: Sauce and Season
Pour in your marinara or pizza sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well to combine, and let the whole thing simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where all those meat juices meld into the sauce, creating that signature Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini richness.
Step 5: Combine with Tortellini
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the meaty, saucy mixture until every piece is well coated. Be careful not to over-stir—soft tortellini can fall apart if you handle them roughly!
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and scoop in the loaded tortellini mixture, spreading it out in an even layer. Blanket the top with an avalanche of shredded mozzarella and a generous dusting of Parmesan. Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melty, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like a pop of green. Let the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini cool for a couple of minutes, then serve up big scoops of cheesy, meaty comfort!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Garnishes
For a classic touch, chopped fresh parsley or basil elevates the colors and adds a spark of freshness. If you want it extra-cheesy, you can dust more Parmesan over the top just before serving. Cracked black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flake gives this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini a bit of a kick for those who like heat.
Side Dishes
When you serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini, you really don’t need a lot on the side—this dish holds its own! Lightly dressed Italian salad or a crisp Caesar makes the perfect fresh contrast. A basket of garlic bread, focaccia, or toasty breadsticks transforms dinner into a complete, crowd-pleasing feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dinners, bring the whole bubbling casserole dish to the table. If you want a restaurant flair, portion the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini into individual ramekins before baking for mini cheese-topped casseroles. For potlucks or parties, you can spoon it into muffin tin cups for adorable, handheld bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then pack them into airtight containers. Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an ideal meal prep contender! The flavor only gets better as the sauce and cheese mingle with the hearty meats.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini, bake it first, let it cool, and then wrap portions tightly—or the whole casserole—before freezing. It’ll keep well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen (you’ll just need extra time in the oven).
Reheating
Leftovers reheat best covered in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes for a big batch. For single servings, a microwave does the trick: cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring halfway. You can add a splash of extra marinara if it looks dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as written. It might take a minute or two longer, but the results are just as delicious.
What’s the best type Main Course
Both sweet or spicy Italian sausage work beautifully here. If you like a little heat, definitely reach for spicy. For a lighter version, try turkey or chicken sausage—just make sure it’s well seasoned.
Can I add vegetables to Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make fantastic additions. Just sauté any extra veggies with the meat before adding the sauce to keep everything tender and flavorful.
Is there a way to make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5–10 minutes to the oven time if baking straight from the fridge.
What marinara or pizza sauce should I use?
Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce—whatever you love on pizza! If you like things spicy, look for an arrabbiata-style sauce. You can also mix in a little pesto or barbecue sauce for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new weeknight hero or the perfect potluck crowd-pleaser, give Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini a try—it’s pure cozy comfort with a fun, pizza-inspired twist. This dish is one of those rare recipes that’s easy, quick, and a total knockout every time. Gather your people and a big spoon—it’s time to dig in!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini, a hearty and flavorful twist on classic Italian flavors. This cheesy pasta bake combines the richness of cheese tortellini with a medley of meats and zesty marinara sauce, creating a satisfying meal that is sure to please any meat enthusiast.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Meat Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup diced cooked bacon
Sauce and Cheese:
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook Italian sausage and ground beef until browned. Add pepperoni and bacon, then sauce and seasonings. Simmer.
- Combine and Bake: Fold in the cooked tortellini, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
- Add chopped green peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use a spicy marinara if you like heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
