Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal combining tender slow-cooked shaved beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, creamy cheese sauce, and tender cheese-filled tortellini. Perfect for busy days, this recipe layers the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with convenient slow cooker ease, resulting in a deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 ½ pounds shaved beef steak (or ribeye, sirloin, or ground beef)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (green or mixed colors)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
Pasta
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Spices & Seasonings
- 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: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shaved beef or ground beef until lightly browned. This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavor. Drain any excess fat.
- Layer ingredients in Crock Pot: In the slow cooker, add the browned beef, sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), beef broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook slowly: 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.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the mixture. Then add the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese and mix well to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Add the tortellini: Mix in the cheese tortellini during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Allow it to cook until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape, avoiding mushiness.
- Finish and serve: If desired, top with extra shredded cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Brown the beef beforehand for extra flavor and texture, though it can be skipped if short on time.
- Using fresh tortellini is preferred for best texture, but frozen works well too.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of your beef broth.
- Optional mushrooms add earthiness but can be omitted if disliked.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Crock Pot, cheesesteak, tortellini, slow cooker, creamy, beef pasta, easy dinner, comfort food
