Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

If you love pizza and pasta, this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate fusion dish you didn’t know you needed! Packed with cheesy tortellini, seasoned beef, savory sausage, and turkey pepperoni, all baked in a hearty marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, it’s a comfort food dream come true. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two Favorites in One – Combines the best of pizza and pasta in a single dish.
Packed with Protein – Ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni make it satisfying and hearty.
Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
One Dish Wonder – Easy prep and clean-up with everything baked together.
Cheesy & Saucy – Every bite is loaded with gooey cheese and rich pizza flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage (or use all beef if preferred)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 cup turkey pepperoni slices (cut in halves or quarters)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garlic bread or a side salad

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Foil for covering
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meats
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add diced onion and sauté until the meat is browned and onion is tender, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the cooked meat mixture and stir well to combine.
Stir in half of the turkey pepperoni and gently mix in the cooked tortellini.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour the tortellini and meat mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.
Top with the remaining pepperoni slices.

Step 5: Bake the Tortellini
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.

Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook Tortellini – Slightly undercook it so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Use Pizza Sauce for Extra Flavor – It adds that signature pizza taste.
Mix Up the Meats – Add cooked chicken, turkey bacon, or crumbled meatballs for variety.
Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the topping.
More Veggies – Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for a supreme-style version.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – A classic side for soaking up the sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp and creamy to balance the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try zucchini or asparagus for a fresh twist.
Extra Parmesan – For an extra cheesy finish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
   Yes, just cook it according to the package directions before using.
2. What’s a good vegetarian version?
   Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a hearty veggie twist.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
4. What cheese works best?
   Mozzarella is ideal, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for extra richness.
5. Is this kid-friendly?
   Definitely! Kids love the cheesy pasta and pizza flavor combo.

Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini bake is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It’s rich, filling, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or die-hard pizza fans, this easy casserole will hit the spot every time.

Give it a try and let us know how your family liked it—don’t forget to share your photos and leave a review!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 720mg

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