If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends the hearty flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the comforting, cheesy goodness of tortellini, you are in for a treat. This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner that requires minimal prep but delivers big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with colorful bell peppers and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection, then tossed with soft cheese-filled tortellini and melted provolone—comfort food has never been easier or tastier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe lies in its straightforward yet vibrant ingredients. Each element is essential: the ground beef adds richness and protein, the peppers and onions bring crunch and natural sweetness, while the cheeses provide that irresistibly melty finish. Plus, simple seasonings and broth help marry all these flavors into one delectable dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular, but browning it well builds the dish’s savory base.
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Wrapping creamy cheese inside pasta—perfect for comforting tenderness.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Offers sweetness and depth when slow-cooked.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a pop of vibrant color and a mild, juicy crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brightens the dish with a slightly grassy note and texture.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings a subtle sweetness balancing the savory flavors.
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix): For that ooey-gooey cheesesteak feel and luscious meltiness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, comforting sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds richness and moistness during slow cooking without diluting flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch to the overall dish.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Layers in extra savory notes complementing fresh onions.
- 0.5 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- Optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce: For those who like a little heat to wake up the palate.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it is no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish and ensures you get that rich, meaty flavor. Be sure to drain any excess fat so your Crock Pot dish stays flavorful but not greasy.
Step 2: Slice the onion and bell peppers
While the beef is browning, slice your yellow onion and all three bell peppers. Keeping the slices moderately thick helps them maintain a satisfying texture during slow cooking, so you get that perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp.
Step 3: Layer ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now comes the fun part: layering. Add the browned ground beef to the slow cooker first, followed by the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly. These seasonings amplify the flavors, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Add the creamy liquids
Pour the entire can of cream of mushroom soup and the cup of beef broth gently over the layered mixture. Resist the urge to stir here; letting the layers stay separate helps all ingredients cook evenly and meld their flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Cook low and slow
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on LOW for about 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. Patience really pays off here, as the peppers soften just right and the beef turns tender, releasing those incredible flavors.
Step 6: Add the tortellini
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, gently stir in the cheese tortellini. This careful timing ensures the pasta cooks perfectly without becoming mushy, absorbing the savory juices and combining with everything wonderfully. Then cover again to continue cooking.
Step 7: Top with cheese
Once the tortellini is tender, sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt for about 10 minutes. This final cheese layer makes the dish irresistibly gooey and rich.
Step 8: Serve and garnish
Give everything a gentle stir to mix the melted cheese throughout, then garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve your Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini hot for the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely touch of color and brightness that cuts through the dish’s richness. For those who enjoy a hint of heat, sprinkling some red pepper flakes or drizzling a little hot sauce on top complements the savory layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli provides a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also work wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe in individual ramekins or wide pasta bowls, topped with extra cheese and parsley. You could also offer it as a casserole-style dish at a potluck—just scoop portions directly from your slow cooker to serve the crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely if you want to save some for later. Just transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the flavors will be just as comforting.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the dish looks dry. Stir occasionally until heated through and the cheese is melty again, as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini works great and may even cook faster, so keep an eye on it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid over-softening.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Provolone or mozzarella cheese is ideal because they melt beautifully and complement the cheesesteak flavors without overpowering. You can mix the two or even add a bit of cheddar for sharper flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian version while keeping the same delicious layers of peppers, onions, and cheese.
Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop?
While this recipe shines in the Crock Pot for hands-off slow cooking, you can also simmer the ingredients gently on the stovetop in a covered pot, stirring often to prevent sticking, and adding the tortellini at the end.
How spicy is this dish by default?
This recipe is mild as written, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is such a gem for anyone looking to combine quick prep with ultimate comfort food vibes. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor that develop beautifully with slow cooking. Once you try it, this meal will likely become a favorite in your rotation, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Don’t hesitate to give it a go—you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!
Print
Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is a comforting and hearty meal combining tender ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, cheesy tortellini, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for a busy day, it uses simple ingredients and slow cooker convenience to infuse the flavors over hours, finishing with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese for a deliciously gooey finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
Dairy and Sauce
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- Optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat thoroughly before transferring the beef to the Crock Pot.
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the onion and all three bell peppers into moderately thick slices to retain some texture during the slow cooking process.
- Layer ingredients in the Crock Pot: Begin by placing the browned ground beef at the bottom, then layer the sliced onions and bell peppers on top. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the layers.
- Add liquids and soup: Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth over the layered ingredients, taking care not to stir, so the layers remain distinct.
- Slow cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Add the tortellini: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, gently stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini, re-cover the Crock Pot, and continue cooking to let the pasta soften and absorb the flavors.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, cover again, and let the cheese melt for approximately 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Gently stir the dish to combine slightly but maintain texture, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce with the seasonings.
- Use refrigerated tortellini for best results; frozen tortellini may require slightly longer cooking time.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning the beef to reduce greasiness.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated covered in the microwave or on the stovetop.
