Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food? This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines all the best pizza toppings—pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and gooey mozzarella—with tender tortellini pasta. It’s a one-skillet dinner that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavors, perfect for family meals or feeding a crowd. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for pizza and pasta all at once!
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 12 ounces tortellini pasta
- ½ pound Italian ground sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
- 24 ounces pizza sauce
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the diced onions until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
3. Combine the Ingredients
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the cooked bacon to the meat mixture.
- Pour in the pizza sauce and stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked tortellini, gently folding it into the sauce and meat mixture. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Toppings and Melt Cheese
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the mixture and arrange sliced pepperoni on top.
- Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot and garnish with additional cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
- Choose Fresh Tortellini:
Use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture and flavor. - Customize Your Toppings:
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra pizza-inspired flavors. - Use High-Quality Pizza Sauce:
A good pizza sauce enhances the dish, so opt for a high-quality brand or make your own. - Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:
Cook the tortellini just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when combined with the sauce. - Make It Spicy:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños if you like a kick of heat. - Use a Broiler for Extra Melting:
For an even cheesier top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
Common Questions About Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melty texture, but you can mix in Parmesan or cheddar for added flavor.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cook the tortellini ahead of time. Combine everything and refrigerate. Reheat in the skillet and top with cheese when ready to serve.
Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Overcooking the Pasta
Avoid mushy tortellini by cooking it just until al dente. It will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce.
Mistake 2: Greasy Dish
Always drain excess grease from the skillet after browning the meat to prevent an overly greasy dish.
Mistake 3: Uneven Cheese Melting
Cover the skillet completely to trap heat and melt the cheese evenly. Alternatively, use the broiler for a perfectly melted and slightly browned top.
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