Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe for Pasta Night

Crafting a delectable meat lovers pizza tortellini sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Cheese-laden pasta and savory toppings create an irresistible combination.

Bold flavors merge seamlessly across this hearty dish.

Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the robust ingredients dancing together.

Perfectly seasoned proteins complement tender tortellini shells.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of comfort and indulgence.

Buckle up for a mouthwatering adventure that delivers pure deliciousness.

How To Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Crank the oven to 375°F and lightly brush a large baking dish with olive oil to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Meats

In a spacious skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni over medium-high heat. Break the meats into tiny crumbles and drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Boil the Tortellini

Cook the cheese tortellini following package directions, but pull them out slightly before they’re fully done to prevent turning mushy during baking.

Step 4: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

This creates a super tasty sauce base.

Step 5: Combine Meats and Pasta

Drain the tortellini and gently mix them into the meat mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Coat with Sauce

Pour the sauce over the tortellini and meat, ensuring every single piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish for consistent cooking.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the entire surface.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and sauce to set.

Step 11: Add a Fresh Finish

Scatter freshly chopped basil on top for a bright, aromatic final touch before serving.

Tips To Improve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

• Select Perfect Pasta: Choose fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor, avoiding overcooked or mushy noodles.
• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from meats to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and maintain a lighter consistency.
• Balance Cheese Coverage: Spread cheese evenly across the top, creating a golden, melted layer that covers every inch of the casserole.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or more intense based on taste.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Chop basil just before serving to release maximum aromatic oils and add a vibrant, fresh finish to the baked casserole.

Ways To Remix Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

• Vegetarian Pizza Tortellini Bake: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles, chopped mushrooms, and roasted bell peppers for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cheese tortellini with gluten-free tortellini or cauliflower gnocchi, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, using extra lean ground turkey and reducing cheese quantity for a lighter meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Greek oregano to transform the traditional recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

Good Sides For Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meaty flavors and cut through the cheesy texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Crostini: Create crispy, herb-infused garlic bread slices that provide a crunchy contrast to the soft tortellini and act as perfect sauce-soaking accompaniments.
• Match with Crisp Caesar Salad: Prepare a zesty Caesar salad with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons to balance the hearty casserole, adding freshness and lightness to the meal.
• Complement with Chilled Pinot Grigio: Pour a light, refreshing white wine that offers a clean palate cleanser between bites of the rich, cheesy tortellini bake, cutting through its intense flavors.

How To Store Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini After Cooking

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled tortellini bake to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh basil garnish.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs For Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Fans

• What are the key ingredients that make this dish so flavorful?

The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, cheese tortellini, and a blend of pizza and marinara sauces creates a rich, complex flavor profile enhanced by Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes. For more spice, add extra flakes or include diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes completely.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this tortellini bake is excellent for meal prep. It can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can also freeze the assembled dish for up to 2-3 weeks, making it a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Why You’ll Enjoy Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This pizza tortellini bake transforms classic favorites into one irresistible dish that brings everyone together around the table with minimal effort.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combining pre-made tortellini, quick-cooking meats, and pantry sauces means you can craft a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or extensive preparation time.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Swap proteins, experiment with different cheese blends, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Deliver Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Packed with protein from multiple meat sources and complemented by rich cheeses, this one-pan meal provides a satisfying and balanced dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

What You’ll Need For Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Italian Sausage: Provides a spicy and savory undertone to the overall recipe.
• Pepperoni: Contributes a zesty and bold taste that enhances the pizza-like experience.

• Cheese Tortellini: Serves as the primary carbohydrate base with a creamy cheese filling.

• Pizza Sauce, Marinara Sauce: Create a robust and tangy flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Blend together to develop a complex and well-rounded taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Deliver a melty, golden crust with rich and creamy texture.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, aromatic finish and fresh herbal note to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, smooth coating to the baking dish.

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory meat lovers pizza tortellini brings Italian culinary passion to your dinner table. Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish promises a delightful journey through rich, melted cheese and premium meat toppings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Cheese:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta and Base:

• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni over medium-high heat, breaking the meats into small crumbles and draining excess fat.
3. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, ensuring they are slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
4. Combine pizza sauce and marinara sauce in a mixing bowl, stirring in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
5. Drain the tortellini and gently fold them into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of proteins.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the tortellini and meat, thoroughly coating each piece and creating a uniform consistency.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, covering the entire surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving, adding a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish.
• Opt for whole wheat tortellini to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome flavor.
• Balance spiciness by adjusting red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance or guest preferences.
• Customize the protein mix by substituting some meat with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg