Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a delicious fusion of two favorite comfort foods: pizza and pasta. It’s loaded with savory meats and cheese, making it incredibly satisfying. The recipe is simple to prepare and bake, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite pizza toppings or spice it up to your liking.

ingredients

For the Main Dish:
1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1/2 pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled smoked turkey or beef (about 6 strips worth)
1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For Garnish (Optional):
Sliced black olives
Diced green bell peppers
Chopped fresh basil or parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish.
Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce with the cooked sausage, smoked turkey or beef, and half of the pepperoni. Stir well.
Assemble the dish: 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 over the top, ensuring all the pasta is coated.
Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dish. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top to resemble a classic pizza look.
Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple salad.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
For a spicy kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version of the dish.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready.

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Absolutely, ground beef or any cooked ground meat can be substituted for sausage.

How spicy is this dish?

The basic recipe is mild, but you can increase spice by using spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meats and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Do I need to precook the sausage and other meat?

Yes, cook all meats fully before mixing them into the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and double ingredients as needed.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.

Conclusion

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the best of pizza and pasta in one dish. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to satisfy cravings for both pizza and pasta lovers. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s worth keeping in your recipe collection.

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting fusion of pizza and pasta, Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini features cheesy tortellini baked with Italian sausage, smoked turkey or beef, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1/2 pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled smoked turkey or beef (about 6 strips worth)

1 cup pepperoni slices, halved

2 cups marinara or pizza sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Optional garnish: sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, chopped fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce with the cooked sausage, smoked turkey or beef, and half of the pepperoni. Stir 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 over the top, coating all the pasta.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dish. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Customize with favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.

Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.

Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for different cheese flavors.

Use gluten-free tortellini to make it gluten-free.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Fully cook all meats before assembling.

Can be made vegetarian by omitting meats and adding vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 450-550 kcal
Sugar: Approx. 5-7g
Sodium: Approx. 700-900mg
Fat: Approx. 25-30g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 10-12g
Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10-15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 35-40g
Fiber: Approx. 2-4g
Protein: Approx. 25-30g
Cholesterol: Approx. 70-90mg