Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

Introduction

If you’re a fan of pizza and pasta, then this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini will quickly become one of your favorite dishes. It combines all the indulgent flavors of a meat lover’s pizza with the comforting texture of tortellini, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. This dish is a hearty, savory meal packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all coated in a rich pizza sauce.

The first time I made this for my family, I was honestly blown away by how much everyone loved it. The combination of tortellini and pizza toppings is a total game-changer! The kids devoured it in no time, and my husband—who is a huge fan of meat-laden pizza—declared it one of the best things I’ve made in a while. It’s so simple to prepare, yet it tastes like something you’d get from a gourmet pizzeria. We now make it for family dinners, and it’s also perfect for feeding a crowd during casual get-togethers or game nights. The flavor combinations are so rich and satisfying that no one will leave the table hungry!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces tortellini pasta
• ½ pound Italian ground sausage
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Sliced pepperoni
• 24 ounces pizza sauce

Instructions

1. Boil the Tortellini
   Begin by boiling the tortellini pasta according to the package instructions. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables and Meat
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook the meat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Seasoning
   Once the meat is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. Drain and Combine
   Drain any excess grease from the meat mixture and return the cooked meat to the skillet. Stir in the pizza sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine with Tortellini
   Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and stir everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and meat mixture. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Toppings
   Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. Add slices of pepperoni on top as well.
7. Melt the Cheese
   Cover the skillet and turn off the heat. Let the residual heat melt the mozzarella cheese and warm the pepperoni for about 2-3 minutes. The cheese should be gooey and melted, ready to be served.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve this hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini as a standalone meal for a satisfying dinner. It’s filling and full of rich flavors that everyone will love.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple Caesar or mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well.
• For a Family Dinner: This recipe makes enough for a family of 4-6, so it’s perfect for feeding the entire household.
• At Game Nights or Parties: Make this dish for your next party or game night. It’s easy to prepare, and everyone will enjoy digging into this cheesy, meaty pasta.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Tortellini: For the best texture, use fresh tortellini rather than frozen. Fresh pasta will absorb the flavors better and give the dish a more luxurious feel.
2. Cook the Meat in Batches: If your skillet isn’t large enough to cook all the meat at once, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the meat browns evenly.
3. Add Veggies: You can sneak in some extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Simply chop and sauté them with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy Italian sausage to the meat mixture.
5. Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can mix in some parmesan or provolone cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and substitute with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use a meatless pizza sauce to keep the dish vegetarian.
• Spicy Meat Lovers: Add spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.
• Chicken and Bacon: For a different twist, use cooked chicken and crispy bacon instead of ground beef and sausage. This combination is a crowd-pleaser.
• Cheese Lover’s Tortellini: Add extra cheese to the meat mixture, such as ricotta, to create a more indulgent, cheesy dish.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: Serve this pasta dish with a side of buttery garlic bread. The crispy bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover pizza sauce.
• Pair with a Drink: A crisp white wine or a cold beer pairs nicely with this hearty dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon is refreshing.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top of the dish for a burst of color and freshness.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese. Prepare the pasta and meat mixture, then freeze in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw and heat, adding the cheese and pepperoni before serving.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
• Freezing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in a tightly sealed container to prevent freezer burn.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! You can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti could work in place of tortellini.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the cheese and pepperoni before heating and serving.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef or sausage with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your pizza sauce is also gluten-free.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Yes, adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would enhance the flavor and add extra nutrients.
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the meat with more vegetables and use a vegetarian pizza sauce for a meatless version.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   Yes, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese, but fresh mozzarella will melt more smoothly and provide a better texture.
8. Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
   Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste.
9. How do I prevent the cheese from overcooking?
   Turn off the heat once the cheese is on top and cover the skillet. The residual heat will melt the cheese without overcooking it.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook in batches.

Conclusion

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food. It brings together the best parts of pizza and pasta into one easy, delicious dish. With its rich combination of meats, gooey cheese, and zesty pizza sauce, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit at any family dinner or gathering. It’s simple to prepare, and the variations are endless, so you can tailor it to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight meal or at a party, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table.

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