Description
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
A delicious mash-up of pizza and pasta, with extra bacon for good measure!
Ingredients:
12 oz tortellini pasta
½ lb sausage
½ cup diced onions
1 cup pizza sauce
½ cup chopped bacon
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions:
Cook tortellini until al dente.
Sauté sausage and onions in a skillet. Add pizza sauce and stir.
Combine tortellini with sauce mixture, place in a baking dish, and top with mozzarella and bacon.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
#BaconLoversTortellini
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions for al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than the full cook time. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add the diced onions and sauté with the sausage until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Reduce heat to low and stir in the pizza sauce until everything is well combined and heated through.
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked tortellini with the sausage and sauce mixture. Transfer this to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the chopped bacon. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown in spots. For a crispier top, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round it out perfectly. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are a classic and welcome accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make a delicious and healthy side.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook tortellini. Brown sausage with onions. Mix with pizza sauce. Combine pasta and sauce in a dish. Top with cheese and bacon. Bake at 375°F until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Cheese ravioli or any stuffed pasta works well. For a lighter version, regular penne or rigatoni can be used, though you may want to increase the sauce slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon? For optimal texture and easy chopping, bake your bacon on a sheet pan at 400°F until crispy. Alternatively, you can pan-fry it. Pre-cooked bacon bits can be used in a pinch.
Can I use a different cheese? Mozzarella is classic for its meltability, but a blend of mozzarella and provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds great flavor. A pre-shredded Italian cheese blend is a convenient option.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking it to al dente is crucial, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Mushy pasta will ruin the dish’s texture.
- Not draining the sausage grease: Leaving excess fat from the sausage can make the final dish overly greasy. Always drain after browning.
- Using cold ingredients: Combining cold sauce or pasta with the hot mixture can lower the overall temperature and lead to uneven baking. Ensure components are warm when assembling.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Use a dish large enough for a single, even layer so everything heats consistently and the top browns nicely.
Conclusion
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food fusion, delivering all the beloved flavors of a loaded pizza in a creamy, satisfying pasta bake. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you’ll create a delicious, cheesy, and bacon-topped masterpiece with ease. Give this recipe a try for your next hearty meal!
