When I need a cozy dinner that’s ready fast, this easy pizza tortellini skillet is my go-to. Juicy ground beef simmers with marinara, cheese-filled tortellini, and plenty of melty mozzarella for a one-pan meal that tastes just like a loaded pizza. I love that this quick 30-minute dinner recipe comes together in a single skillet, so cleanup is simple and everyone at the table is happy—especially when those crispy pepperoni slices start to sizzle on top.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean): I use lean ground beef for a rich, meaty flavor without too much grease.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Chopped onion gives the skillet a sweet, savory base.
- 1 tsp minced garlic: A little garlic adds a warm, bold flavor that blends with the beef.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This mix of herbs brings that classic pizza-pasta taste.
- ½ tsp salt: Just enough salt to bring out all the flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds a light kick.
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce: Marinara makes a rich tomato base for the tortellini and meat.
- 4 oz cream cheese (about half a brick): Cream cheese melts in to make the sauce extra creamy.
- 1 (19-oz) bag frozen tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini give the dish a hearty bite.
- 20 pepperoni slices, cut in half: Pepperoni adds that classic pizza flavor and a little spice.
- 1 brick mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella melts on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE PIZZA TORTELLINI?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Cook Beef and Aromatics:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Seasoning, Sauce, and Cream Cheese
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spices to meld with the meat and aromatics.
Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring well to combine with the beef mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks and add them to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. - Add Tortellini:
Stir in the frozen tortellini, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are heated through and tender. - Add Pepperoni and Mozzarella:
Uncover the skillet and scatter the halved pepperoni slices over the top of the tortellini mixture. Stir gently to distribute the pepperoni evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Remove from heat and let the skillet sit for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with additional Italian seasoning or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy the hearty flavors of this pizza-pasta fusion!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. Fresh tortellini will cook faster than frozen, so you may need to reduce the cooking time to about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and heated through.
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef. If using sausage, remove the casings before browning. Adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins.
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use a marinara sauce that’s free of meat products.
For a lower-carb option, replace the tortellini with zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower florets. Ensure the sauce and toppings are also low in carbs.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Sliced bell peppers: I love tossing in colorful bell pepper slices for a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
- Sliced mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a nice earthy flavor that blends perfectly with the marinara sauce.
- Spinach or kale: I stir in a handful of fresh greens at the end—they wilt fast and add extra nutrition.
- Olives: A few black or green olives give a tangy, briny bite that really wakes up the dish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: I finish with fresh herbs for a bright, fresh flavor and a pretty touch on top.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH PIZZA SKILLET?
When I make this easy pizza tortellini skillet, I like to turn it into a full meal with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with Italian dressing balances the rich, cheesy pasta perfectly, and garlic bread is a must for soaking up every drop of the creamy marinara sauce. Sometimes I’ll add roasted vegetables or a quick side of sautéed spinach for extra color and crunch. This quick and easy dinner idea is ready in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
LOOKING FOR MORE DINNER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
If you are craving comfort foods, you can try a few of our other recipes. One of my favorite recipes is the Marry Me Again Pasta Chicken! We also have a great recipe for Chantilly Mashed Potatoes for a side dish. Another option is this easy Parmesan-Crusted Ranch Chicken and the most amazing Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER PIZZA SKILLET?
When it comes to storing and reheating leftover Pizza Tortellini Skillet, keeping it tasty is easy! Simply transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm it up on the stove with a splash of water or marinara sauce, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Or, use the microwave—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Sprinkling a bit of extra cheese on top before reheating adds that gooey, cheesy goodness back in!
Can LEFTOVER PIZZA SKILLET DINNER BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Freezing leftover Pizza Tortellini Skillet is a great way to save it for later enjoyment. Once it’s cooled down, transfer it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw the skillet overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water or marinara sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and you’re ready to dig in!
Easy Pizza Tortellini Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. Ground Beef (80% Lean)
- 1 Cup Onion (chopped)
- 1 Tsp Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- (1) 24oz Marinara Sauce
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (1/2 Brick)
- (1) 19oz Bag Frozen Tortellini
- 20 Pepperoni Slices (cut in half)
- 1 Brick Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spices to meld with the meat and aromatics.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring well to combine with the beef mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks and add them to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the frozen tortellini, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are heated through and tender.
- Add Pepperoni: Uncover the skillet and scatter the halved pepperoni slices over the top of the tortellini mixture. Stir gently to distribute the pepperoni evenly.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let the skillet sit for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with additional Italian seasoning or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy the hearty flavors of this pizza-pasta fusion!
Everyone loved it and was very easy to make