If you’re ready to combine the best parts of a loaded pizza and cozy pasta bake, let me introduce you to the irresistible wonder that is Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini. Imagine pillowy cheese tortellini, a hearty trio of sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, all tossed in rich marinara and blanketed with gooey melted cheese. This recipe brings together everything you crave in a comfort meal—robust flavors, melty cheese pulls, and a crowd-pleasing twist that makes weeknight dinners or family gatherings absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is how a few simple, well-chosen ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each piece plays a key role in layering flavor, adding texture, or giving that signature pizza-in-a-bowl appeal.
- Cheese Tortellini (20 oz package): These tender pasta pillows are the heart of the dish, soaking up all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the sausage and bringing out its savory richness.
- Italian Sausage (1/2 lb, casings removed): Adds a meaty, spiced kick that anchors the dish.
- Pepperoni Slices (1/2 cup, halved): Brings that classic pizza flavor and a bit of smoky spice.
- Cooked Bacon (1/2 cup, crumbled): For crunch, smokiness, and a little decadence in every bite.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce (2 cups): The saucy backbone—choose pizza sauce if you want an even more intense pizzeria vibe.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers that unmistakable Italian herb aroma reminiscent of your favorite slice.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth, amplifying the sauce’s savoriness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): The ultimate melty topping—expect epic cheese pulls!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): For a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens up the final dish with freshness and color.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente—this usually takes just a few minutes but don’t walk away! Drain the tortellini and set it aside, ready to soak up all those incredible flavors later.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. After about 6 minutes, when the sausage is browned and crumbled, toss in the pepperoni and bacon. Cook for one more minute to let the flavors mingle and the bacon crisp up even more.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, then pour in your marinara or pizza sauce. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and garlic powder, stirring gently to coat every piece of pasta and meat in that rich, herby sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan all over the top of the tortellini mixture. This is where it starts to look and smell exactly like your favorite Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini, but in bubbly, cheesy pasta form.
Step 5: Broil Until Bubbly
Transfer the whole skillet to your oven and broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye—once the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, it’s ready! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer everything to a casserole dish before broiling.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately shower the top with fresh chopped basil. The heat will release the basil’s aroma, making the dish look as fresh as it tastes. Let it cool for a minute or two, then dig in!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh basil is classic, but don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even red pepper flakes for a little heat. The green of the basil against the molten cheese is both beautiful and appetizing—plus, it cuts through the richness with a fresh note.
Side Dishes
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with warm, garlicky breadsticks or a basket of buttery garlic knots for the ultimate pizza night spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table—everyone can scoop their own portion. If you’re entertaining, transfer the tortellini to individual mini casserole dishes for a personal touch. Leftovers? Try stuffing them into a sub roll with extra cheese and broiling for a Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic candidate for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the pasta doesn’t get too soft.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm larger portions in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of extra marinara if it looks a little dry, and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of cheese!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well—just cook it a minute or two longer than the package suggests, since frozen pasta can take a bit more time to reach that perfect al dente texture.
Is it possible to make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite plant-based sausage and bacon alternatives, and use vegetarian pepperoni, or load up with extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a pizza-inspired twist.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the skillet while broiling, as cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly. Broil on the middle rack and pull it out as soon as the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sauté some bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the sausage for extra flavor, color, and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies without sacrificing any Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini flavor.
What should I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries—once everything is combined and topped with cheese, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before broiling. You’ll get the same bubbly, gooey result without missing a beat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, fun, and guaranteed to draw everyone to the table, look no further than Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this dish never fails to impress. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation for years to come!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, and crispy bacon, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh basil and a quick broil, it’s a perfect family-friendly Italian-American main course that satisfies pizza and pasta cravings alike.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, halved
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package directions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Pepperoni and Bacon: Stir in the halved pepperoni slices and crumbled cooked bacon. Cook for an additional 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- Combine with Sauce and Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet along with the marinara or pizza sauce, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce and seasoning.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Broil the Cheese: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini!
Notes
- You can swap marinara sauce with your favorite pizza sauce for a stronger tomato and herb flavor.
- For added nutrition and balance, add vegetables like diced bell peppers, chopped onions, or sliced mushrooms when cooking the meats.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cook the mixture on the stovetop then transfer it to a casserole dish before broiling.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1340 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
