Easy Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours but comes together in a flash. Combining all your favorite pizza flavors—savory meats and gooey cheese—with tender, cheesy tortellini, it’s pure comfort in a bowl and perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tortellini pasta fresh or frozen, cheese-filled recommended
- 0.5 pound Italian ground sausage
- 0.5 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup cooked, chopped bacon
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Sliced pepperoni
- 24 ounces pizza sauce your favorite brand
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook Tortellini. Cook the tortellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent (3-5 minutes).
- Step 3: Brown Meats. Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Season and Drain. Season the meat mixture with Italian seasoning. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet, then return the meat mixture to the pan.
- Step 5: Add Bacon. Add the cooked, chopped bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Step 6: Combine with Sauce and Pasta. Pour in your favorite pizza sauce and add the cooked tortellini pasta, stirring everything together until well mixed and every piece of tortellini is coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Add Cheese and Pepperoni. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Arrange sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Step 8: Melt Cheese and Serve. Cover the skillet with a lid, turn off the heat, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become gooey. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions
- Veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach when you're sautéing the onions.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! A mix of provolone, Parmesan, or even some spicy pepper jack could be fun.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Meat Swap: Don't have Italian sausage? Use all ground beef and add a pinch of fennel seeds and extra Italian seasoning. You can also try ground turkey or add other cooked meats like diced ham or leftover shredded chicken.
- Herb Boost: A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano at the end can brighten up the flavors.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Follow package directions closely. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy, and we want that perfect al dente texture.
- Drain the Fat: Always drain excess grease from your ground meats to keep your dish from being oily.
- Season in Layers: Seasoning the meat as it cooks and then adding Italian seasoning with the sauce ensures maximum flavor.
- Good Quality Pizza Sauce: Since the sauce is a main component, a pizza sauce you truly love will make all the difference.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.