Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It combines everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak, savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese, with tender cheese-filled tortellini in one creamy slow cooker meal. This easy crock pot dinner is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without standing over the stove.
Ingredients
For the Cheesesteak Base
- 1½ pounds ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
For the Pasta
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Add cooked beef to the crock pot. Top with sliced peppers, onion, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Tortellini
Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add refrigerated tortellini and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until pasta is tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Finish
Stir in shredded provolone or mozzarella. Cover for 5 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Use thinly sliced ribeye instead of ground beef for a more traditional cheesesteak flavor
- Add mushrooms for extra depth and texture
- Swap provolone with white American cheese for classic cheesesteak taste
- Stir in a handful of spinach for added color
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Cooking Notes
- Brown the beef first to avoid excess grease in the slow cooker
- Add tortellini at the end to prevent overcooking
- Stir gently after adding tortellini so they don’t break apart
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm beef broth
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so adjust timing accordingly
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or toasted hoagie rolls
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Sprinkle extra provolone on top before serving
- Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick
- Serve in bowls for a cozy family-style dinner
Tips
- Slice peppers evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Soften cream cheese before adding for smoother melting
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but increase cooking time by about 10–15 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the beef mixture ahead and add tortellini just before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream-based sauces may slightly change texture when frozen, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that brings together bold cheesesteak flavors with tender pasta. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want a hearty slow cooker meal.