Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy cheese come together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds shaved beef steak (or ribeye, sirloin, or ground beef)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 bell peppers (sliced, green or mixed colors)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced, optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the beef if desired. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shaved beef or ground beef until lightly browned. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Step 2: Layer ingredients in the Crock Pot. Add the browned beef, sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), beef broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender and flavorful.
- Step 4: Make the sauce creamy. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the cheeses into a rich sauce.
- Step 5: Add the tortellini during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently and cook until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 6: Finish and serve. If desired, top with extra cheese and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and peppers before adding to the Crock Pot to deepen their taste.
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of or alongside beef for a different twist.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more beef broth or a splash of milk before serving.
- Fresh tortellini is preferred for best texture, but frozen works well—just watch the cooking time closely.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese and pasta.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, you can add the raw shaved beef directly to the Crock Pot for an even simpler preparation, but browning adds extra flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, cheese tortellini works best, but you can substitute with other stuffed pastas or small shapes like penne or rotini; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
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Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe combines tender shaved beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and optional mushrooms slow-cooked in a flavorful beef broth with creamy cheese sauce. It’s a comforting one-pot meal featuring cheesy tortellini that absorbs all the savory flavors, perfect for an easy, hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds shaved beef steak (or ribeye, sirloin, or ground beef)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (green or mixed colors)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
Pasta and Seasonings
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef (optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shaved beef steak or ground beef until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time. Drain any excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.
- Layer ingredients in Crock Pot: Add the browned beef, sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), beef broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
- Make the sauce creamy: Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts completely and mixes into a smooth sauce. Then add the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese and mix well to create a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Add tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Cook until the tortellini is tender but still maintains its shape and firmness, avoiding mushiness.
- Finish and serve: If desired, top the dish with extra shredded cheese for a cheesier finish. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or high-quality frozen tortellini.
- Browning the beef beforehand enhances flavor but is optional.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Customize with different cheeses like provolone or a blend for variety.
- Mushrooms can be omitted if preferred or replaced with other vegetables.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot, Cheesesteak, Tortellini, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Beef, Comfort Food
