Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Dinner

Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One Pan Dinner comes to the rescue on busy nights when you crave comfort food but want everything done in about half an hour. It is packed with gooey cheese hearty ground beef and all the flavor of your favorite slice of pizza but easier and all in a single skillet. This is a family favorite that has all the fun of pizza and pasta rolled into one.

I first tried this when everyone was exhausted and dinner time was closing in fast. Now no one can resist the smell that fills the kitchen and my family begs for it every time.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings hearty flavor and protein. Choose lean for less grease but any type works.
• Salt and pepper: essential to season meat right from the start
• Onion powder and Italian seasoning: give the base a classic pizza taste. Look for a good Italian blend with oregano basil and thyme.
• Minced garlic: adds deep flavor. Fresh garlic is best but pre-minced works too.
• Marinara sauce: makes the dish saucy and ties all the pizza flavors together. Use your favorite jarred version or homemade if you have time.
• Frozen tortellini: fills out the meal with cheesy pillows. Look for ones with a high cheese content for best results.
• Cream cheese: brings creaminess that melts into the sauce. Grab the block style for a silkier texture.
• Pepperoni: brings that real pizza taste. Mini pepperoni looks cute and gets crispy but regular slices work too.
• Shredded cheese: gives you that melty pizza topping. Use a combo for more flavor. Mozzarella stretches beautifully and cheddar brings a sharper bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a roomy skillet over medium high heat. Add in salt pepper onion powder and Italian seasoning from the start so everything infuses with flavor. Stir and break up the meat so there are no big chunks and wait until it is evenly browned all the way through.

Crisp the Pepperoni:

Scatter in about a third cup of mini pepperoni with the beef. Let them cook for a couple of minutes until the edges sizzle and start showing dark golden bits. The pepperoni will add extra flavor to the beef.

Drain and Sauté Garlic:

Once the meat and pepperoni are done carefully drain off the extra grease. Toss in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about thirty seconds so it does not burn but releases its signature aroma.

Make the Sauce:

Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce and drop in the cream cheese. Stir a lot so the cream cheese slowly melts and gets worked into the sauce making everything smooth and creamy.

Add the Tortellini:

Still keeping the heat on medium low add the frozen tortellini. Stir so each piece is coated. Cover the skillet and let it cook for around five minutes or until the tortellini are plump soft and fully hot inside.

Cheese it Up:

Uncover the pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top followed by more pepperoni if you like it extra pizza-like.

Melt and Finish:

Either slip the whole skillet under your oven broiler for a few minutes to get that bubbly golden top or cover again and keep the heat low until everything is melted and irresistible.

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My favorite ingredient is definitely the mini pepperoni. They crisp up in the pan and give that unmistakable pizza flavor. The first time I made this my kids tried to sneak extra pieces off the top before I could even serve it.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish also freezes beautifully so if you want quick lunches later just portion out and freeze up to a month.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter dish swap ground beef for turkey or Italian sausage for a flavor boost. You can try a different cheese blend or use whole wheat tortellini for added fiber. For a vegetarian version leave out the meat and double up on mushrooms and spinach sautéed at the beginning.

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Serving Suggestions

Pile this up in big shallow bowls for a cozy main course. For a fresher vibe serve with a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette and some garlic bread on the side to scoop up all the extra sauce. If you like spice pass around chili flakes or hot honey.

Cultural Context

Pizza inspired pasta dishes are a fun American twist on Italian comfort food. This recipe brings together the heartiness of Italian stuffed pasta with the flavors of classic American pizza night making it a hit from kids to adults. My family always laughs because it reminds everyone of those Friday nights with takeout but made with simple ingredients at home.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of tortellini works best?

Frozen cheese tortellini gives the best texture and holds up well in the sauce. Fresh can also be used, but reduce cook time as needed.

→ Can I use other proteins besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all make great substitutes for the beef in this one pan meal.

→ Can I skip the pepperoni?

Yes, you can leave out pepperoni or swap it for sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to change up the flavors to your liking.

→ What cheese combinations work best on top?

Mozzarella and cheddar offer a classic, melty topping, but you can try provolone, Monterey Jack, or Italian blends for variation.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently for best texture.