Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re like me and you can’t resist a hearty, comforting meal, then this Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Picture this: tender tortellini filled with cheesy goodness and bathed in a rich, savory meat sauce, topped with all your favorite pizza toppings. Seriously, it’s like all the best parts of a pizza party and a pasta night rolled into one delicious dish!
This recipe comes from my love for both pizza and pasta. I grew up in a household where pizza was a weekly staple, and I remember many a Saturday night spent gathered around the table, savoring slice after slice. Fast forward a decade or two, and my obsession with tortellini blossomed! So, it was only fitting that I found a way to merge these two culinary delights. Trust me, every time I make this, my family dives in with gusto and I can’t help but smile watching them enjoy every bite!
What’s in Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini?
– Tortellini: The star of the show! I usually opt for cheese-filled tortellini, but you can use meat or any other flavor you fancy. Fresh is ideal, but frozen works just as well—no judgment here!
– Ground Beef: The foundation of our meaty sauce. I like to use 80/20 ground beef for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
– Italian Sausage: A must for that nostalgic pizza flavor! I prefer mild sausage, but you can go spicy if you’re feeling bold.
– Pizza Sauce: Grab your favorite jar of pizza sauce or whip up a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, this brings all the pizza vibes.
– Cheese: Because, duh! A mixture of mozzarella and provolone creates the gooey, cheesy goodness that defines a great pizza.
– Pepperoni and Salami: Can you even have a meat lovers pizza without these? Slice them up and add them to the mix for added layers of flavor.
– Bell Peppers and Onions: Fresh veggies add color and crunch! I typically go for red and green peppers; their sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory meats.
– Olives: Optional, but their briny bite really elevates the dish, in my opinion. Use black or green, whichever you prefer.
– Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this goes a long way in imparting those classic pizza flavors.
Is Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question: is comfort food good for you? While this dish might not be the healthiest option on the block, there are some redeeming qualities.
– Tortellini: These little pasta pockets can provide carbohydrates for energy, especially great for those long, busy days.
– Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: High in protein, these ingredients can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Just remember to choose leaner meat options when possible!
– Cheese: Packed with calcium and protein, I can’t fault the creamy goodness cheese brings to the table.
– Veggies: With fresh bell peppers and onions, you’re getting some vitamins and fiber in there, which is a win in my book!
As with all things, moderation is key! Enjoy this dish as a cozy indulgence, and feel free to pair it with a fresh salad to balance it out.
Ingredients
– 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound Italian sausage
– 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1/2 cup sliced salami
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/2 cup sliced olives (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– Serves 6-8
How to Make Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini?
1. **Cook the Tortellini:** Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until they float. Drain and set aside.
2. **Brown the Meats:** In a large skillet over medium heat, place the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want nice, crumbly bites!
3. **Add the Veggies:** Throw in the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant.
4. **Mix in the Pizza Sauce:** Pour the pizza sauce into the meat and veggie mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all those flavors can meld together.
5. **Combine with Tortellini:** Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce, ensuring that every piece is coated in that delicious sauce.
6. **Layer on the Cheesy Goodness:** In a greased baking dish, spoon half of the tortellini mixture in, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and provolone on top. Layer the remaining tortellini mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
7. **Top it Off:** Add the pepperoni, salami, and olives on top, sprinkling Italian seasoning over everything for that extra pizza flavor.
8. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. **Serve:** Let it cool for a few minutes, then dish it out and enjoy the utter bliss of this hearty dish!
Cheers to Comfort!
Now, my friend, let’s talk about the finishing touches! You can garnish this ultimate dish with fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. Think of it as a personal touch that makes this dish uniquely yours!
I can’t wait for you to try this. Each bite is a warm hug that makes all the effort absolutely worth it. Please let me know how it goes when you try it out! And remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to play around with the ingredients and make this dish your own. Happy cooking!
