In the realm of comforting, hearty dishes, few can rival the satisfaction of a perfectly crafted slow cooker meal. This recipe for Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini masterfully combines the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the irresistible creaminess of cheese tortellini, all simmered to perfection with ground beef, vibrant peppers, and onions in a rich, savory sauce. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend feast, promising a dish that’s both deeply flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare.
Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini: A Flavorful Fusion
Imagine the beloved taste of a traditional Philly cheesesteak – tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese – transformed into a convenient, hands-off slow cooker pasta dinner. This dish offers a delightful twist on a classic, making it accessible for home cooks without sacrificing any of that signature cheesesteak deliciousness. We’ve taken all the elements you cherish and re-imagined them into a pasta sensation that will become an instant family favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking. While we have explored many variations of the cheesesteak theme, from Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread to hearty Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, this tortellini rendition offers a uniquely satisfying experience. The addition of cheese tortellini elevates the meal, making it incredibly filling and comforting. Whether you opt for the convenience of a slow cooker or a quicker stovetop preparation, the result is consistently delicious and undeniably cheesy.
For those who appreciate the ease of slow cooking, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, leaving you with more time to relax while your kitchen fills with an enticing aroma. The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soften perfectly, infusing the rich, creamy sauce with their flavors. It’s a dish that truly delivers on taste and convenience, perfect for busy evenings or when you’re entertaining guests.
“So good! Loved it just the way it is!”
– Jess
Frequently Asked Questions: Unlock the Secrets to Your Best Cheesesteak Tortellini
Absolutely! This versatile dish can easily be adapted for stovetop cooking when you’re short on time. Begin by cooking the ground beef, peppers, and onions in a large skillet until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease. Then, add the remaining ingredients (except for the tortellini and shredded cheese) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for approximately 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. In a separate pot, cook the tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and stir it into the skillet along with the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy. If your skillet isn’t large enough, a spacious pot will work just as well.
While ground beef provides a familiar and delicious base, you have several excellent alternatives. Shaved beef steak is a fantastic option, closely mimicking the traditional cheesesteak experience. Because it’s so thin, there’s no need to pre-cook it; simply add it directly to the slow cooker with the onions and peppers, and it will cook through perfectly in the savory broth. For a different flavor profile, consider using ground sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) or even thinly sliced chicken breast for a “chicken cheesesteak” tortellini.
Yes, absolutely! While frozen tortellini is often more economical and convenient to keep on hand, fresh tortellini (typically found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store) works wonderfully in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw fresh tortellini; you can add it directly to the slow cooker as instructed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as fresh tortellini may cook slightly faster than frozen varieties.
This rich and satisfying dish is truly a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, there are many delicious options. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast, or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli can add some freshness. As you can see in our images, a slice of warm, buttered French bread or garlic breadsticks is always a winning choice for soaking up that incredible creamy sauce. For those who love to “carb it up,” a side of creamy mashed potatoes would make this an even more indulgent comfort meal. The choice is yours!
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization! To add a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices. For extra convenience, feel free to use pre-chopped frozen peppers and onions instead of fresh. You can also experiment with different types of shredded cheese; a sharp cheddar, provolone, or even a smoked Gouda would offer unique flavor dimensions. Consider adding sliced mushrooms for an “extra-style” cheesesteak tortellini, or a dash of Italian seasoning for an herbaceous touch. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Leftovers of this delicious dish are a real treat! Transfer any remaining tortellini to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When reheating from frozen, be aware that the texture of the tortellini and sauce might change slightly, becoming a bit softer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce appears too thick.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible slow cooker meal. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each component:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using a lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for optimal flavor and texture. As mentioned in our FAQ, ground sausage can be a delightful twist, or opt for shaved beef steak for a more traditional “cheesesteak” texture.
- Green Bell Pepper: Sliced thinly, green bell peppers add a signature sweet-tart crunch to the dish. While green is classic, feel free to substitute with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a milder flavor and pop of color. Frozen sliced peppers can also be used for convenience.
- Onion: A medium onion, thinly sliced, will caramelize beautifully and provide a foundational sweetness and aroma to the sauce. Yellow or white onions are both excellent choices.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works perfectly fine for ease. Adjust the amount to your personal preference – a little goes a long way, but true garlic lovers might add an extra clove or two!
- Beef Broth: This is the liquid base for our savory sauce. You can use regular beef broth, or for dietary considerations, choose a low-sodium or no-sodium-added variety to control the salt content. The broth helps to tenderize the beef and infuse the dish with rich, umami flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient adds an incredible depth and complexity, that “something extra” you can’t quite pinpoint. It’s crucial for achieving that authentic savory cheesesteak flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Frozen Cheese Tortellini: For a truly hearty and satisfying meal, cheese-filled tortellini is a must. Remember to thaw your frozen tortellini in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the slow cooker. Alternatively, fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section is an excellent no-thaw option.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that luxurious, creamy sauce. Heavy cream (also known as heavy whipping cream) provides the necessary richness and body that binds all the flavors together. Half-and-half or milk will not provide the same decadent consistency.
- Shredded Mozzarella/Provolone Blend: This classic cheese combination delivers the perfect melt and stretch, characteristic of a cheesesteak. Feel free to use pre-shredded bags for convenience, or shred your own for a superior melt. Other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mixed Italian blend can also be used to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the dish to perfection. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini: A Simple Guide
Preparing this comforting Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
- **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble 1 pound of ground beef until it is no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing flavor and ensures a proper texture. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the beef.
- **Assemble the Base in Slow Cooker:** Transfer the cooked and drained ground beef to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced green bell pepper and the thinly sliced onion directly over the beef.
- **Prepare the Flavorful Broth:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 cups of beef broth (opt for low or no sodium if preferred), 1 Tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until well combined. The Worcestershire sauce is key to that authentic savory depth!
- **Combine and Slow Cook (Initial Phase):** Pour the whisked beef broth mixture evenly over the beef, peppers, and onions in the slow cooker. Secure the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 3 hours. This initial cooking period allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften beautifully.
- **Add the Tortellini:** After 3 hours, remove the lid. Add the thawed 19-ounce bag of frozen cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the tortellini is fully submerged and coated in the delicious sauce.
- **Continue Cooking Until Tortellini is Tender:** Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the tortellini is perfectly cooked through and tender. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker and whether you used fresh or frozen tortellini.
- **Stir in Cream and Cheese:** Once the tortellini is ready, remove the lid. Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and add half of the shredded mozzarella/provolone cheese blend. Gently stir until the cream is incorporated and the cheese begins to melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- **Final Cheese Melt and Serve:** Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the tortellini mixture in the slow cooker. Replace the lid and let it sit for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a beautiful, gooey layer. Once melted, your Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is ready to serve!
Serve hot and enjoy the incredible flavors of this comforting, easy-to-make dish!
Craving More Cheesesteak-Inspired Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the classic cheesesteak flavor, you’re in luck! We have a collection of other fantastic recipes that capture that irresistible taste in various forms. Expand your culinary repertoire with these delicious ideas:
- Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
- Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Crock Pot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
- Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak
- Philly Cheesesteak Cups
- Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Ring
- Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini
A cheese tortellini dish featuring savory ground beef, tender onions, and peppers, all brought together in a creamy sauce within your slow cooker.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes |
Cook Time: 6 hours |
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 |
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 19 ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini, thawed (see notes)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 ounce bag shredded mozzarella (can use a blend of cheeses)
Instructions
- Cook and crumble 1 pound ground beef until no longer pink, then drain excess grease.
- Add cooked ground beef to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Then add in 1 green bell pepper, sliced and 1 onion, sliced.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups beef broth, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour this beef broth mixture over the beef, peppers, and onions. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
- Then add 19 ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini, thawed, stirring to cover it all.
- Cover and continue cooking on low for about 30 minutes to an hour until the tortellini is warmed through and tender.
- When the tortellini is ready, add in 1/2 cup heavy cream and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and gently stir. Then top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover and let melt for 5 minutes, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Please refer to our FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and the detailed ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to common questions.
- You can use refrigerated cheese tortellini instead of frozen. In that case, it will not need to be thawed or brought to room temperature; you can just add it directly to the slow cooker as instructed.
- Optional: For a touch of color, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. This is purely for presentation and not necessary for flavor.
- For those who enjoy a little extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth mixture for a subtle heat.
Course: Dinner, Main Course |
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 674 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 1406mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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