Baked Pizza Tortellini Dinner
A comforting one-pot meal that fuses Italian favorites with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini Gluten-free options are available.
- 4 oz cream cheese Can be substituted with lactose-free cream cheese.
- 1.75 oz mini pepperoni Add extra for topping.
- 1 ⅔ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on the countertop, chopping any fresh ingredients as necessary to streamline cooking.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes while breaking it apart.
- Add approximately 1.75 oz of mini pepperoni to the skillet with the browned beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until crisp.
- Drain off the rendered fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts, creating a smooth sauce.
- Add the frozen cheese tortellini, mixing well to coat them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top, adding additional mini pepperoni if desired.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes or cook on low heat until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for an aromatic touch.