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This filling Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini mashes up two crowd pleasers into one tempting meal. The soft cheese-stuffed pasta swirls together with all your go-to pizza add-ons in a rich, cheese-packed pan dish that'll win over even hardcore pizza fans.
I came up with this when we were stuck in sports season madness and needed something good to eat but I was super short on time. These days my family asks for it at least twice every month, especially when there's a big game coming up.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tortellini pasta: go for cheese filled to match the pizza vibe
- 1/2 pound Italian ground sausage: gives you that real pizza joint flavor
- 1/2 medium yellow onion: chopped up for a sweet flavor base
- 1 pound ground beef: makes everything nice and meaty
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: makes everything taste better when cooking
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: grate it fresh if you can for better melting
- 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon: adds that smoky taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: the real stuff works way better than powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: gets you that pizza shop taste
- Sliced pepperoni as desired: can't have pizza flavor without it
- 24 ounces pizza sauce: try to find one without too much sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Get your tortellini boiling just like the package says until they're barely tender. Don't let them get mushy since they'll cook more later in the sauce. Drain them well and set aside. If they're sticking together, a tiny drizzle of olive oil will fix that.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Grab a big skillet and heat your olive oil on medium high until it shimmers. Toss in your chopped onions and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they go soft and see-through. Drop in your ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it all up with a spoon while it cooks. Keep cooking about 7 minutes until all the meat turns brown and crumbly. Throw in the garlic and Italian seasoning, and stir for another 30 seconds until you can really smell it. Pour off the extra grease and put everything back in the pan. Mix in your cooked bacon bits.
- Create the Sauce Base:
- Dump your pizza sauce into the meat mix and stir it all up. Carefully fold in your cooked tortellini without squishing them. Let everything bubble together for about 2 minutes so the flavors can mix while making sure all the pasta gets coated in sauce.
- Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle mozzarella all over the top, then lay out your pepperoni slices just like on a real pizza. Put the lid on your skillet and turn off the heat. Let it sit for about 2 minutes until all the cheese gets melty and gooey.
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The Italian sausage really makes this dish special. My grandpa from Sicily always told me that good sausage with just the right amount of fennel and spices was what turned ordinary Italian food into something amazing. Every time I cook this, it takes me back to those big family meals at his place where food always pulled everyone together.
Make Ahead Options
This meal works great for busy nights because you can get stuff ready early. Cook all your meat mixture up to two days before and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just warm up the meat in your pan, add freshly cooked tortellini and sauce, then top with cheese and pepperoni. You'll cut your cooking time right down the middle.
Customization Ideas
Think about this dish as a blank slate for whatever pizza toppings you love. If you're into veggies, throw in some cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or switch to spicy Italian sausage. Want something different? Try swapping the red sauce for garlic alfredo and add some spinach for a white pizza version. You can go crazy with options.
Serving Suggestions
This meal stands on its own just fine, but a basic green salad with Italian dressing makes it even better. If you want the full pizza place feeling, add some garlic bread or breadsticks to mop up extra sauce. Right before you bring it to the table, scatter some fresh grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves on top to make it look fancy and taste even more amazing.
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Storage Guidelines
The pasta will soak up more sauce as it sits, so leftovers actually taste even better. Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you warm it up again, you might need to add a splash of water or more pizza sauce to loosen things up. If you want to save it longer, freeze it in meal-sized containers for up to 2 months, but let it thaw completely in the fridge before heating it back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap cheese tortellini for another type?
Yes, of course! Try spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled tortellini to create different flavors in your dish. It’s all about your preference.
- → How can I make a lighter version of this meal?
Go for lean beef, turkey sausage, and low-fat mozzarella. You can also cut back on the meats and throw in veggies like peppers or mushrooms for a fresher twist.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
A fresh salad with a light Italian dressing is an ideal pairing. Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or even Caesar salad make great additions too.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Skip the meats and go for hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based meat replacements for a similar flavor.
- → What’s the best way to reheat this meal?
Pop it in a covered skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. For the microwave, lower the power to 70% and stir halfway through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- → Can I use my homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce, made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, spices, and a touch of sugar, can make this dish even better and more personal to your taste.