Description
This hearty Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe combines tender ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days and satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Dairy
- 19 ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini, thawed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese (can use a blend of cheeses)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook and crumble 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the cooked ground beef to a 5-6 quart slow cooker, then add the sliced green bell pepper and sliced onion for added flavor and texture.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to create a savory broth.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours to meld the flavors.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the thawed frozen cheese tortellini, ensuring it is fully coated with the broth mixture.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until the tortellini is heated through and tender.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese gently, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a cheesy layer.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes, then serve the cheesy crock pot cheesesteak tortellini hot.
Notes
- Thawing frozen tortellini before adding it to the slow cooker helps ensure even cooking and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a cheese blend containing provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Using low or no sodium beef broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
