Description
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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Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
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1 package (20 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ lb ground beef
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½ lb ground Italian sausage (or use all beef if preferred)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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1 cup turkey pepperoni slices (cut in halves or quarters)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For Garnish & Serving:
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
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Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Garlic bread or a side salad
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American-Italian