If you are craving a dinner that hits all the comfort food notes while still feeling a bit indulgent and exciting, this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is exactly what your weeknight needs. Imagine tender, cheesy tortellini mingling with savory ground beef, sweet and colorful bell peppers, and that unmistakable creaminess from a dreamy mushroom sauce—all coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor and texture, and it’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe a true winner. Each element plays an essential role: the ground beef brings savory richness, the trio of bell peppers adds vibrant color and crunch, while the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth deliver that luscious sauce that ties everything together. Don’t forget the gooey cheese that gives it that perfect ooey-gooey finish!
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that gives the dish a meaty, satisfying flavor.
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Adds cheesy, pillowy goodness that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Provides a mild sweetness and depth to balance the savory beef.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers a pop of vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a slight earthiness and crunch to the dish.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds brightness and a subtle tangy flavor.
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness—mixing the two is a delicious twist.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: The secret to that creamy, comforting sauce that wraps everything together.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the dish juicy and infuses a rich umami boost.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds warmth and savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for an extra savory punch.
- 0.5 tsp salt: Seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper: A gentle kick of spice to balance the creaminess.
- Optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce: For those who like a little heat and extra zing.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step is crucial because it brings out rich, savory flavors and creates a perfect foundation. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy while preserving that wonderful beefy taste.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
Thinly slice the yellow onion and each of the bell peppers. Keeping the slices moderately thick helps them retain their texture during the slow cooking process, so you still get that satisfying bite instead of mushy veggies. The bright reds, greens, and yellows will also make your dish look as good as it tastes!
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
In your slow cooker, create a hearty layering by placing the browned ground beef at the bottom, then adding the sliced onions and bell peppers over the top. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Add Creamy Elements
Gently pour the cream of mushroom soup and the beef broth over the layered ingredients without stirring. This method lets the flavors infuse slowly and keeps the texture ideal. The soup creates that velvety sauce that will coat the tortellini perfectly later on.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the beef and veggies to meld together, deepening the flavor and tenderizing the peppers without losing their character.
Step 6: Add the Tortellini
About 30 minutes before your cooking time is up, sprinkle the refrigerated cheese tortellini on top. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the creamy sauce, then re-cover to let the tortellini soften and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a combination) over the top, cover again, and let it melt for about 10 minutes. This step turns the dish into a gooey, cheesy delight that’s impossible to resist.
Step 8: Final Stir and Serve
Give everything a gentle stir to mix the melted cheese and tortellini with the beef and peppers. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, adding a fresh pop of color and brightness. Serve this comforting feast hot, straight from the crock pot to your plate.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a perfect simple garnish—its bright, herbaceous notes lift the creamy richness of the dish. If you like a little extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add a delicious contrast to the mellow flavors.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing crunch to complement the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works wonders to soak up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual mini cast iron skillets or mason jars for casual gatherings. Adding a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or a handful of caramelized onions on top right before serving can elevate the presentation and taste even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, too! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the tortellini might soften a bit more after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will remain delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help revive that creamy sauce texture if it thickens too much after storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can substitute frozen tortellini in this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe. Just add a little extra cooking time when you incorporate it in the last 30 minutes to make sure it cooks through completely.
What if I’m not a fan of cream of mushroom soup?
Feel free to swap it for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, depending on your preference, or even make your own simple creamy mushroom sauce to keep that homemade vibe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You sure can! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for that umami punch, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It will still be hearty and flavorful.
Is it okay to use shredded cheddar cheese instead of provolone or mozzarella?
Absolutely! Cheddar adds a sharper flavor profile that pairs nicely with the beef and peppers. Mixing cheeses is a great way to customize the dish to your taste.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste. This way, you control the level of heat to suit everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—warm, cheesy, and packed with all the good stuff you want at dinnertime. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s sure to become one of those go-to recipes you reach for over and over. So don’t hesitate—give it a try and enjoy the magic of slow-cooked, tender cheesesteak-inspired tortellini in every bite!
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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of cheesesteak with cheesy tortellini. Perfect for a busy day, the slow cooker method allows the beef, peppers, and onions to meld beautifully while the creamy mushroom soup and cheese create a rich sauce. Ready in just about 5 hours, it’s an excellent meal for families and can be topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
Pasta
- 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
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and 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 to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the yellow onion and all three bell peppers into moderately thick slices to maintain texture and prevent them from becoming too soft during slow cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: In the Crock Pot, layer the cooked ground beef, followed by the sliced onions and bell peppers. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the top for seasoning.
- Add Soup and Broth: Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth over the layered ingredients. Do not stir to maintain layers and ensure even cooking.
- Cook in Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften perfectly.
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the Crock Pot. Stir gently to combine and re-cover to let the pasta cook through.
- Add Cheese to Melt: Sprinkle shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese on top, cover the Crock Pot again, and let it melt for about 10 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
- Final Stir and Serve: Gently stir the mixture to combine the melted cheese throughout. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the dish hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when layering spices.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to add tortellini towards the end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger crowds but may require a larger slow cooker.
