Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

Hearty, cheesy, and bursting with bold pizza flavor, this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini bake is everything you love about a loaded slice of pizza—just in pasta form! With cheesy tortellini, tangy marinara, and plenty of savory meats like ground beef, sausage, and turkey pepperoni, this dish is a one-pan wonder that satisfies big appetites and picky eaters alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza + Pasta = Perfect – The ultimate comfort food mashup.
Family Favorite – A hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Easy to Make – Minimal prep, all baked in one dish.
Customizable – Swap meats or add veggies if you’d like.
Cheesy and Saucy – Everything a baked pasta should be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup turkey pepperoni slices

Optional Add-ins:

• Crushed red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
• Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Pot for boiling tortellini
• Colander
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef, sausage, and diced onion. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Drain excess grease, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Boil the Tortellini

1. Cook tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes).
2. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Mix and Assemble

1. In a large bowl or the same skillet, combine cooked meat mixture, marinara sauce, and cooked tortellini.
2. Fold in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
3. Pour into prepared baking dish.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then evenly place turkey pepperoni slices on top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is golden.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
4. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Pizza Tortellini Bake
Use Fresh Tortellini – It cooks faster and stays tender in the bake.
Brown the Meat Well – It adds flavor and texture to the dish.
Make it Spicy – Add crushed red pepper or use hot Italian sausage.
Layer the Pepperoni – Press them into the cheese slightly so they crisp up while baking.
Add Veggies – Mushrooms, onions, or spinach go great with the pizza flavors.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Mop up all the cheesy sauce.
Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or Italian salad pairs perfectly.
As a Casserole – Serve this dish at potlucks or for a crowd.
With a Dipping Sauce – Try ranch or extra marinara on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in 60-second bursts until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
   Yes, just cook it according to the package instructions before adding.
2. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What other meats can I use?
   Try cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Skip the meat and load it up with veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
5. Can I use different sauces?
   Sure—use pizza sauce for a classic taste or a spicy arrabbiata for extra heat.

Final Thoughts
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is your go-to comfort food bake—cheesy, meaty, and bubbling with flavor in every bite. It’s easy to make, totally satisfying, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a fun dinner night, this one-pan meal delivers all the pizza vibes with none of the fuss.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your cheesy creation.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 460 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 840mg

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