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
Scale
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
