If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meals, Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is about to become your new favorite dish. It combines the savory flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza—pepperoni, sausage, and bacon—with the comforting texture of tender tortellini, all baked in a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or game day feasts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Pizza Meets Pasta: The best of two comfort food worlds in one dish.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil or parsley
Full ingredient list below.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Stir the cooked tortellini into the sauce. Add the cooked sausage, bacon, and half of the mini pepperoni slices. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the tortellini mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Scatter the remaining mini pepperoni slices for a pizza-like finish.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Add a layer of ricotta cheese before sprinkling the mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Crispy Pepperoni: For a crispy pepperoni topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Time Saver: Use pre-cooked tortellini and meats to cut down on prep time.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a veggie pizza twist.
- Chicken Lovers: Replace sausage and bacon with shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles instead of tortellini.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside a glass of red wine or a chilled beer for a true pizzeria experience at home.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of cream or sauce to prevent drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook it according to the package instructions before combining with the sauce.
2. What other meats can I use?
Try ground beef, ham, or even shredded turkey as substitutes.
3. Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration. It’s cheesy, meaty, and packed with comforting flavors that everyone at the table will adore. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends, this recipe is destined to be a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a hearty meat lovers pizza with tender, cheesy tortellini. Packed with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and melted cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meats:
- In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the pepperoni and bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce and heavy cream.
- Add garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Stir until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize by adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions.
- Substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamier twist.
- Use turkey sausage and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg