Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini

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Comfort food takes on a new meaning with this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini. Imagine tender, cheesy tortellini drenched in a creamy, savory sauce, mingling with seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions — all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish captures the essence of a classic Philly cheesesteak and transforms it into a pasta lover’s dream, all with the ease of a slow cooker.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or lazy weekends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow-cooked flavors develop beautifully, ensuring that every bite is packed with cheesy, beefy richness and balanced by the sweetness of sautéed peppers. Whether you’re craving something hearty or need a comforting dinner idea, this dish is a total win.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini

• Combines the classic flavor of a cheesesteak with creamy tortellini
• Effortless slow cooker recipe
• Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Ideal as a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): The heart of the recipe. It allows for even cooking over time and helps blend the flavors deeply.
• Large Skillet: Used for browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables before transferring them to the Crock Pot. This step enhances flavor.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping onions and slicing bell peppers with precision.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: To combine the ingredients evenly in the pot.

Each of these tools plays a key role in delivering the right texture, flavor depth, and cooking efficiency for this recipe.

Preparation Tips

Start by prepping your ingredients ahead of time — chop the onions and peppers and store them in airtight containers if you’re meal prepping. Browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the Crock Pot is crucial; it locks in flavor and reduces grease in the final dish. Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture; frozen tortellini can become mushy if overcooked. Stir everything gently when combining in the slow cooker to maintain the tortellini’s structure, and add shredded cheese towards the end of cooking to avoid separation or curdling.

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Ingredients for this Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini

• 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
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. This step enhances the flavor and helps avoid a greasy finished dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is cooking, slice the onion and bell peppers. Keep them moderately thick so they maintain some texture after slow cooking.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot

Add the browned beef to the bottom of the Crock Pot. Layer in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Soup and Broth

Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth over the mixture. Do not stir at this point. This allows the flavors to blend slowly as the dish cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. During this time, the vegetables will soften and the flavors will meld into a rich, savory sauce.

Step 6: Add the Tortellini

About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir in the refrigerated tortellini. Re-cover and cook until the tortellini are tender and heated through, approximately 25–30 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese on top. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt for about 10 minutes. For extra cheesiness, stir some of it into the mixture.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Once the cheese is melted and gooey, give everything a gentle stir. Serve hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy, and comforting Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini!

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Notes

This dish is flexible and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer chicken over beef, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as a swap. For a richer flavor, sauté the peppers and onions slightly before adding them to the Crock Pot. The tortellini should always go in toward the end of the cooking time to avoid becoming mushy. Also, using freshly shredded cheese gives a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the tortellini: Add it only in the last 30 minutes to avoid a soggy texture.
• Using frozen tortellini without adjusting time: It takes longer to cook and may release excess moisture.
• Skipping the beef browning step: This can leave the dish greasy and underdeveloped in flavor.
• Adding cheese too early: It can break down and become grainy if exposed to heat too long.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Ensure your Crock Pot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients evenly.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and microwave or reheat on the stove until warmed through. This dish is not ideal for freezing once the tortellini has been added, as the pasta may lose its texture upon thawing.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (Approx. 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, cooked and shredded chicken works great as a substitute for ground beef.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything a day ahead, but add the tortellini fresh on the cooking day.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s mild. But feel free to add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, but you may need to cook it slightly longer and be cautious of added moisture.

What cheese works best?

Provolone and mozzarella are ideal. You can also mix in cheddar for extra richness.

Can I cook it on the stovetop instead?

Yes. Simmer everything except the tortellini and cheese for about 20 minutes, then add tortellini and cheese in the final 10 minutes.

What size Crock Pot should I use?

A 6-quart Crock Pot is ideal for this recipe.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If it’s too runny, stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water at the end and cook for another 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food — cheesy, meaty, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a reliable and satisfying choice. With just a bit of prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that tastes like it took hours of effort. Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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