If you’re a fan of hearty pasta and all the bold flavors of pizza, this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate mash-up meal. It’s everything you love about a meat lovers pizza—savory sausage, crispy bacon, pepperoni, and melted cheese—all tossed with tender cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, zesty tomato sauce. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and unbelievably easy to make.
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how much it tasted like pizza in pasta form. Once, I swapped the marinara for a smoky tomato cream sauce—it was next-level delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish delivers big flavor and ultimate comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini brings together the best of two comfort food classics—pizza and pasta. It’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with layers of savory meat flavor. The best part? It’s a one-pan (or one-bake) recipe that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for family dinners.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini: A Cheesy, Meaty Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and indulgent pasta dish that combines all the flavors of a classic meat lover’s pizza — pepperoni, sausage, and bacon — tossed with cheese-filled tortellini and marinara sauce, then baked with gooey melted cheese on top.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chopped pepperoni, and crumbled bacon. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar (or provolone), and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Add black olives if using.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden-brown cheesy crust. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni or chop larger slices for easier bites.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with garlic butter or add a pinch of smoked paprika before baking.
- This recipe can be prepped ahead — assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Pairs perfectly with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) – The perfect pasta to carry the cheesy pizza flavors.
Ground Italian sausage – Adds robust, spicy depth to the dish.
Pepperoni slices – Brings that classic pizza flavor and a bit of crispiness.
Bacon (cooked and crumbled) – Adds smoky, salty crunch.
Marinara or pizza sauce – The flavorful base that ties everything together.
Olive oil – For cooking and layering flavor.
Onion (diced) – Adds sweetness and a flavorful base to the sauce.
Garlic (minced) – Enhances the savory pizza aroma.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings out the traditional pizza flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey pizza topping.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and nutty depth.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.
Directions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart. Once cooked, drain excess fat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the sauce: Stir in marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked tortellini, pepperoni, and half of the crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add a few extra pepperoni slices on top for that pizza look.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and the remaining bacon bits before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 40 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of meaty flavor.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Supreme Pizza Tortellini
Add bell peppers, black olives, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy Meat Lovers Version
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Alfredo Twist
Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy, cheesy version.
BBQ Meat Lovers Bake
Mix in BBQ sauce with the marinara and top with cheddar for a smoky spin.
Low-Carb Option
Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of tortellini for a lighter twist.
Four-Cheese Pizza Tortellini
Mix mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for an extra-cheesy bake.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just boil it a bit longer according to the package instructions.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely—ground beef, turkey, or ham all work well.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
4. Do I have to bake it?
No, you can serve it straight from the skillet after combining if you prefer a stovetop version.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—onions, peppers, or spinach pair perfectly with the meaty flavors.
6. What kind of sauce works best?
A thick, flavorful marinara or pizza sauce gives the best texture and taste.
7. Can I make it spicier?
Yes, use spicy sausage or add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
8. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meats and add more veggies or plant-based sausage.
9. How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add a layer of ricotta or cream cheese between the pasta and sauce.
10. What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is everything you crave in one dish—savory, cheesy, and loaded with hearty flavor. With layers of rich sauce, meaty goodness, and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that satisfies every pizza and pasta craving in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this dish guarantees smiles all around.
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