This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty, indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of pizza and pasta into one delicious comfort food. The cheese tortellini is smothered in a savory marinara sauce, topped with crumbled Italian sausage, crispy bacon, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a busy weeknight or any time I’m craving something extra comforting, this dish is sure to satisfy my hunger and taste buds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
½ pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Olive oil (for greasing)
Optional Garnishes: Sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, chopped fresh basil or parsley
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
Cook tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, crumbled Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, and half of the halved pepperoni slices. Stir everything together to mix well.
Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add the cooked tortellini to the baking dish, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dish. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for added flavor.
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with optional toppings like black olives, diced green bell peppers, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat toppings and load up on extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add some extra cheese for more flavor.
Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
Gluten-Free: If I need to make it gluten-free, I can swap the regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini and ensure that the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I like to warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, I can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well. I just follow the package instructions to cook it before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! I can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge before baking. When I’m ready to eat, just bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, I can easily swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda, depending on what I have on hand or prefer.
Can I make it in a smaller dish?
Sure! If I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, I can use a smaller one. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and depth of the dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The combination of pasta, cheese, and pizza toppings is usually a hit with kids. I can adjust the toppings to make it milder, or leave out any ingredients they might not like.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that satisfies both my pizza and pasta cravings in one dish. It’s so easy to make, and with all the savory toppings, it's a meal that I love to enjoy any night of the week. Whether I’m feeding my family or just treating myself to something indulgent, this dish never disappoints.
Recipe:
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the perfect comfort food, combining pizza and pasta in one hearty dish. With cheese tortellini, savory marinara sauce, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella, this recipe is a satisfying meal for pizza and pasta lovers alike. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or indulgent treat.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
½ pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Olive oil (for greasing)
Optional Garnishes: Sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
-
Cook the tortellini in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, crumbled Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, and half of the halved pepperoni slices. Mix well.
-
Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
-
Add the cooked tortellini, then pour the remaining sauce mixture on top, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
-
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish with optional toppings like black olives, diced bell peppers, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
To make it gluten-free, swap out the tortellini for a gluten-free variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
