If you are craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that takes all the fuss out of dinner, this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with sweet bell peppers and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection alongside pillowy cheese tortellini. Finished with gooey melted cheese, this dish combines the best of a classic cheesesteak sandwich and comforting pasta in one effortless crock pot meal that will quickly become your new family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy ground beef to the trio of vibrant bell peppers, every component comes together beautifully to make this dish shine.
- 1 lb ground beef: The savory foundation, providing rich, hearty flavor and protein.
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with cheese, for that comforting, creamy bite.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens during slow cooking.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Bright and sweet, delivering gorgeous color and crisp texture that holds up well.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Slightly grassy and fresh, this pepper balances the sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds an extra punch of sunshine-hued sweetness and color contrast.
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix): Melts beautifully on top for that signature cheesesteak gooeyness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy richness and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps everything wonderfully moist.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For an aromatic, savory kick throughout the dish.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Boosts the natural onion flavor without overpowering.
- 0.5 tsp salt: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and spice depth.
- Optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce: For anyone who loves a little extra heat.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and pretty color.
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart into bite-sized crumbles as it browns. Once done, carefully drain the excess fat to keep the dish delicious but not greasy.
Step 2: Slice the Onions and Bell Peppers
While the beef cooks, thinly slice the yellow onion and all three bell peppers. Keeping the slices moderately thick helps them hold up during slow cooking, giving you satisfying texture in every bite rather than mushy vegetables.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Into your crock pot, start layering the browned ground beef, followed by the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the layers perfectly from the bottom up.
Step 4: Add Soup and Broth
Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth gently over the layered ingredients. Resist the urge to stir at this point as cooking with everything layered ensures the flavors develop and meld slowly.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it to LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. The slow cook method allows all the flavors to intensify while keeping those peppers and onions tender but not overdone.
Step 6: Add the Tortellini
About 30 minutes before cooking ends, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini gently. This timing ensures the pasta cooks through without becoming too soft or sticky, perfectly absorbing the savory juices.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese on Top
Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and give it about 10 minutes to melt into that irresistible, cheesy blanket.
Step 8: Final Stir and Garnish
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the cheesy goodness throughout, then garnish with fresh parsley if you like a touch of brightness and color before serving hot.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes is all you need to add freshness and a little sparkle of heat that complements the creamy cheesesteak flavors perfectly. These little details will make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also excellent to scoop up any leftover cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe. For dinner parties, individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley make for an impressive, personalized touch. You could also layer it with a bit of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cheesesteak tortellini in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient next-day meal that tastes just as good warmed up.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this dish freezes incredibly well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to keep the tortellini from drying out or sticking together.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes! Fresh tortellini works great but keep an eye on your crock pot since fresh pasta cooks faster. Add it about 15 to 20 minutes before the end rather than 30 minutes.
What cheese is best for this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe?
Provolone or mozzarella are fantastic for their melty texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the beef. Mixing the two can elevate the cheesiness if you want a creamier finish.
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini can be stirred in for extra nutrients and flavor. Just add them in the beginning with the onions and peppers for the best texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily customize it by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste during cooking or as a garnish.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
You can make this on the stovetop using a large pot or skillet. Brown the beef and vegetables, add the liquids and spices, then simmer gently. Add tortellini last and cover until tender, but the slow cooker is definitely hands-off and ideal.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, blending beloved cheesesteak flavors with cheesy pasta that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe you revisit often. So go ahead, grab your crock pot, and dive into this deliciously easy dish that’s as satisfying as it is cozy.
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 easy slow-cooker meal that combines the flavors of classic cheesesteak with cheesy tortellini. Ground beef, bell peppers, and onions simmer with creamy mushroom soup and beef broth, then cooked tortellini and melted provolone cheese are added towards the end for a rich, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- Optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the onion and all bell peppers into moderately thick slices to maintain texture during slow cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: In the Crock Pot, layer the cooked ground beef, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
- Add Liquids: Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth over the layered ingredients without stirring, allowing flavors to meld as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Stir gently to combine and re-cover to allow tortellini to cook through.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the mixture, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt for about 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Gently stir everything together, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Optionally, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste for a spicy kick.
Notes
- Using moderately thick slices of vegetables helps them retain texture after slow cooking.
- Draining excess fat after browning beef keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add tortellini near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- Feel free to substitute provolone with mozzarella or a mix for creamier texture.
- Optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce can be added to enhance heat according to preference.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add freshness and color to the dish.
