Juicy Pizza Tortellini for Meat Fans

This robust Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini blends two family classics into one mouthwatering meal. The soft cheese-stuffed pasta dances with all the pizza toppings you crave in a rich, cheese-topped skillet creation that wins over even the pickiest pizza fans.

I whipped up this dish during a hectic sports season when my family needed something filling but I was short on cooking time. These days they ask for it at least twice monthly, particularly before important games.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces tortellini pasta: go for cheese-filled to match that pizza taste
• 1/2 pound Italian ground sausage: delivers that authentic pizzeria flavor
• 1/2 medium yellow onion: chopped small for a gentle sweet base
• 1 pound ground beef: gives a satisfying texture and loads of protein
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: brings out flavors when cooking
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese: grate it yourself for smoother melting
• 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon: contributes a smoky kick
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: use the real thing for better taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: builds that real pizza character
• Sliced pepperoni as desired: the must-have pizza addition
• 24 ounces pizza sauce: pick one without too much sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Tortellini:

Boil tortellini following package instructions until barely tender. Don't let them get mushy as they'll cook more in the sauce. Drain well and set aside, adding a tiny drizzle of olive oil if they're clumping together.

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Toss in diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and turn clear. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into smaller bits as it browns. Keep cooking about 7 minutes until meat is completely browned. Mix in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, letting it cook another 30 seconds until you can smell the spices. Carefully pour off extra grease and put the mixture back in the pan. Mix in the cooked bacon pieces.

Create the Sauce Base:

Add pizza sauce to the meat mixture and stir until everything's mixed well. Carefully fold in your cooked tortellini without breaking the pasta pieces. Let everything bubble together for about 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend while making sure the tortellini gets coated with sauce.

Add the Cheese Topping:

Scatter mozzarella cheese evenly across the whole dish, then lay sliced pepperoni on top just like a pizza. Put the lid on your skillet and turn off the heat. Wait about 2 minutes until the cheese gets totally melted and stretchy.

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The Italian sausage really makes this dish special. My grandpa from Sicily always said good sausage with the right amount of fennel and spices was what turned an okay Italian meal into something amazing. Whenever I cook this, I think about those Sunday meals at his place where food always brought the family together.

Make Ahead Options

This meal works great for busy nights because you can get parts ready beforehand. Cook the meat mix up to two days early and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, warm up the meat in your skillet, toss in freshly cooked tortellini and sauce, then top with cheese and pepperoni. This cuts your cooking time way down.

Customization Ideas

Think about this dish as a starting point for whatever pizza toppings you love. If you're into veggies, throw in some cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives. Heat lovers might want to add red pepper flakes or swap in spicy Italian sausage. For something different, try using garlic alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce and add some spinach. You can take this recipe in so many directions.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands on its own, but a basic green salad with Italian dressing makes it even better. To feel like you're at your favorite pizza place, add some garlic bread or breadsticks for scooping up extra sauce. Sprinkle some fresh Parmesan and torn basil on top just before you serve to make it look fancy and add more flavor.

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Storage Guidelines

The pasta will soak up more sauce as it sits, so leftovers taste even better. Keep it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you warm it up, add a splash of water or more pizza sauce if it seems dry. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in meal-sized containers for up to 2 months, and let it thaw completely in the fridge before heating it again.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of tortellini for this dish?

You bet! Cheese tortellini works great, but why not try spinach, mushroom or even meat-filled pasta pockets? Each type will bring its own unique taste to your dinner table.

→ How can I make this dish less heavy?

Want something a bit lighter? Go with extra lean ground beef, swap pork sausage for turkey, and pick part-skim mozzarella. You can also use more pasta and less meat, then toss in some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

→ What sides pair well with this tortellini dish?

A fresh green salad with Italian dressing makes a perfect match for these rich flavors. You might also enjoy some warm garlic bread, oven-roasted veggies, or a simple Caesar salad alongside this hearty main dish.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For sure! Just swap out the meats with veggie alternatives or add chunky vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant and colored peppers. You'll still get all those yummy Italian pizza flavors in every bite.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

The tastiest way is warming it in a covered pan on medium-low with a tiny splash of water so it doesn't dry out. You can also microwave it in a covered dish at 70% power, giving it a stir halfway. If you froze some, let it thaw in your fridge overnight first.

→ Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of store-bought?

You absolutely can! Making your own sauce can really take this dish up a notch. Try a simple mix of crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, Italian seasonings and a tiny bit of sugar for that perfect pizza sauce flavor that matches your taste preferences.