This One-Skillet Cheesy Pizza Tortellini brings all your favorite pizza flavors into a single, comforting pasta dish. Featuring tender tortellini, savory ground beef, and zesty pepperoni smothered in marinara and melted cheese, it is a “scroll-stopping” weeknight dinner that is as easy to make as it is to eat.
Why Youβll Love This Skillet Dinner
- Pizza-Pasta Fusion: Combines the heartiness of stuffed tortellini with the classic toppings of a meat lover’s pizza.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Designed to be made in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze for busy evenings.
- Viral Appeal: The combination of gooey melted cheese and bold pepperoni creates that perfect “viral recipe” look.
Ingredients π
- 1 lb ground beef
- Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- The Base:
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions π©βπ³
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the Base: Stir in the salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the 24 oz jar of marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Cover and cook according to the package directions (usually 5β7 minutes) until tender.
- Add the Pizza Flair: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
- Melt & Serve: Cover the skillet for 2β3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the tortellini; because they are refrigerated, they cook very quickly and can become mushy if left too long.
- Broil for Char: If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it under the broiler for 1β2 minutes to get those pepperoni slices crispy and the cheese slightly browned.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to stir in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives to give it a “Supreme Pizza” vibe.