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- 12 oz. cheese tortellini - 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled - 1 cup pepperoni slices - 1 cup diced ham - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients in this dish create a rich, hearty flavor. I love using cheese tortellini as a base. It adds a creamy texture that blends well with the meats. The Italian sausage gives a nice spice, while the pepperoni and ham add a savory depth. I often choose a quality marinara sauce. A good sauce makes all the difference. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create a gooey, melty topping that pulls everything together. If you want some heat, the crushed red pepper flakes are great to add. For garnish, fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. They bring a touch of brightness to the rich dish. You can find all these ingredients in most grocery stores. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps on how to combine these flavors into a satisfying meal. - Bring a pot of salted water to boil. - Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Cooking the tortellini is simple. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. The salt makes the tortellini taste better. Once the water boils, add the cheese tortellini. They usually take about 3-5 minutes to cook. When they float to the top, they are ready. Drain them in a colander and set them aside. - Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet. - Add pepperoni and ham to the skillet. For the meat mixture, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns brown. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. Once the sausage is brown, add the pepperoni slices and diced ham. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until they are warm and mixed well. - Fold in the tortellini with the meat mixture. - Pour in marinara and sprinkle seasonings. Now, it’s time to mix everything. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the meat. Then, pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you like spice. Toss everything together until the tortellini and meat are well coated with sauce. - Mix half of the cheeses into the tortellini mixture. Lower the heat a bit. Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the tortellini mixture. Stir carefully so the cheese melts slightly into the dish, making it creamy. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese. - Bake for 20-25 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the tortellini and meat mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for that golden brown cheese and bubbly sauce. Your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is now ready to enjoy! To make your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini burst with flavor, choose high-quality meats. Good sausage and pepperoni can elevate your dish. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste. You can add more Italian seasoning or even a bit of garlic for a kick. When cooking tortellini, it's key to ensure it is cooked al dente. This gives it a nice bite and keeps it from getting mushy. While sautéing your meats, make sure to stir occasionally. This helps everything cook evenly and gives you great texture. To make your meal complete, pair the tortellini with a fresh garden salad. The crispness of the salad balances the rich flavors of the dish. Serving it with garlic bread adds a lovely touch. Imagine dipping that warm bread into the marinara sauce! For the Full Recipe, refer to the complete instructions earlier in the article. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the meats in this dish. Try using chicken or beef instead of Italian sausage. Both options bring a different flavor that can surprise your taste buds. Want even more taste? Add crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor. The smoky crunch pairs well with the other meats. If you want a meatless option, go for vegetable-based tortellini. You can use mushrooms or bell peppers instead of meat. This keeps the dish full of flavor while being lighter. Zucchini or spinach also make great choices. They add freshness and nutrients without losing the savory taste. Cheese is the star of this dish! While mozzarella is classic, you can try other cheeses too. Provolone adds a sharp taste, while cheddar gives a rich, creamy finish. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Each type of cheese brings its own unique flavor to this tasty dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Cool the dish before storing it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. I always let mine sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This way, it cools down nicely. You can keep Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it stays sealed well. I recommend labeling the container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until heated through. If you use the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir every minute to avoid cold spots. Enjoy that cheesy goodness again! Yes, just follow the package instructions for cooking. Frozen tortellini cooks quickly and is very convenient. When using frozen, make sure the water is boiling before adding them. You want them to cook evenly. Yes, you can prepare it and keep it in the fridge before baking. This is great for busy days. Just follow the cooking steps until you layer the cheese on top. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, pop it in the oven. Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free option. Many stores offer gluten-free pasta now. Check the labels to find a good brand. You can still enjoy this rich dish without gluten. Alfredo sauce or pesto can be delicious alternatives. Each sauce brings a unique flavor. Alfredo adds creaminess, while pesto gives a fresh, herbal taste. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces! If you want more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for inspiration. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty tortellini bake. We covered key ingredients like tortellini, meats, and cheeses. You learned step-by-step cooking and baking methods. Tips helped you perfect flavor and serving ideas. In your kitchen, feel free to try different meats and cheeses. Store leftovers well for future meals. Enjoy cooking this dish and make it your own!

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

Indulge your taste buds with this delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini recipe! Packed with cheesy tortellini, flavorful sausage, pepperoni, and ham, this dish combines all your favorite pizza flavors in a hearty baked pasta. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Ready to elevate your meal? Click through to explore the full recipe and savor the cheesy goodness today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz. cheese tortellini

1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

1 cup pepperoni slices

1 cup diced ham

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain the tortellini in a colander and set aside for later use.

    Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, add the pepperoni slices and diced ham, and stir for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meats are heated through and well combined.

      Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the meat mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes over the top. Carefully toss everything together until the tortellini, meat, and sauce are evenly coated.

        Add Cheese: Lower the heat and fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the tortellini mixture. Stir gently, allowing the heat to slightly melt the cheese into the dish.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully transfer the tortellini and meat mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

            Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the tortellini mixture for an extra cheesy finish.

              Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously bubbly and golden brown on top.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and relish in the richness of your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini!

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | Serves 4-6