There’s nothing better than a meal that combines two of the best comfort foods—pizza and pasta. If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy, and meaty dishes, this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. It’s packed with everything you love about a classic meat lover’s pizza—savory sausage, crispy bacon, flavorful pepperoni, and plenty of gooey mozzarella—combined with tender, cheesy tortellini for a dish that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to make.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a cozy weekend treat when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean up! Let’s dive right into making this delicious recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything you need:

Tortellini: You’ll need 12 ounces of your favorite tortellini. Cheese-filled tortellini works best for this recipe, adding a rich and creamy texture that balances the savory meat flavors.
Italian Ground Sausage: A ½ pound of this gives the dish a classic pizza taste with its signature herbs and spices.
Ground Beef: A full pound of ground beef makes this dish extra hearty and filling.
Bacon: A ½ cup of cooked, chopped bacon adds a smoky, crispy bite to every forkful.
Pepperoni: No meat lover’s pizza-inspired dish would be complete without some sliced pepperoni!
Mozzarella Cheese: Two full cups of shredded mozzarella ensure every bite is extra cheesy and satisfying.
Pizza Sauce: A 24-ounce jar of pizza sauce brings all the flavors together.
Yellow Onion: Half a medium onion, diced, adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Minced Garlic: A tablespoon of garlic enhances the overall richness of the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of this classic herb blend gives the dish its signature Italian flavor.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon for sautéing the onions and bringing out their natural sweetness.

With everything prepped and ready, let’s get started on making this incredible dish!

Step 1: Cooking the Tortellini

First, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini usually takes about 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini may take a little longer. Once the pasta is tender and cooked through, drain it well and set it aside.

Pro Tip: To prevent the tortellini from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish, toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 2: Sautéing the Onions and Browning the Meat

Now, grab a large skillet or a deep pan and place it over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for a few seconds.

Once the oil is hot, add the diced yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring an even texture throughout. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Once the meat is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its rich aroma to infuse into the mixture. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning for that signature pizza-inspired flavor.

At this point, your kitchen is going to start smelling amazing, and you’ll already know this dish is going to be a hit!

Bringing It All Together: Sauce, Cheese, and the Perfect Pizza-Inspired Finish

At this point, your kitchen smells incredible—the combination of sizzling sausage, ground beef, garlic, and onions creates a mouthwatering aroma that’s hard to resist. Now, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together and transform this dish into a true Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini masterpiece.

Let’s dive into the next steps and finish off this easy, cheesy, and hearty meal!

Step 3: Draining the Excess Grease and Adding Bacon

After the meat is fully browned and seasoned, it’s important to drain any excess grease from the skillet. This helps prevent the dish from becoming too oily while keeping all that delicious flavor intact.

Once drained, return the meat mixture to the skillet and stir in the cooked, chopped bacon. This adds a crispy, smoky bite that enhances the meaty flavors and makes every bite extra satisfying.

Step 4: Adding the Pizza Sauce and Tortellini

Now, it’s time to bring the pizza-inspired flavors to life! Pour in the pizza sauce, making sure to coat the meat mixture evenly. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Once the sauce is warm and well combined, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce and meat mixture, making sure every piece is evenly coated. The tortellini will soak up all that rich, savory flavor, making every bite delicious.

Step 5: The Best Part—Cheese and Pepperoni

No pizza-inspired dish is complete without lots of melty cheese. Sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet. As the cheese melts, it creates a gooey, creamy layer that brings everything together.

Now for the final touch—sliced pepperoni! Arrange the pepperoni over the top of the cheese, just like you would on a classic meat lover’s pizza. Not only does this add more flavor, but it also gives the dish that familiar, irresistible pizza look.

Step 6: Melting the Cheese to Perfection

To finish the dish, cover the skillet with a lid and turn off the heat. The residual warmth will allow the cheese to melt beautifully without overcooking the tortellini. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

If you want a slightly crispier, bubbly cheese topping, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Time to Serve!

Now that your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is hot, cheesy, and ready to go, it’s time to serve it up! Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy this hearty, satisfying dish with family and friends.

Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal, or simply dig in as is—it’s filling enough to stand alone as the ultimate comfort food.