Description
Enjoy tender steak bites paired with cheesy tortellini in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This comforting American dinner recipe combines flavorful seared beef with aromatic herbs and a luscious sauce, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds stew beef (or your favorite steak)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups beef broth (low or no sodium preferred)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Cheese
- 20 ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the beef: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper evenly over 1½ pounds of stew beef to season thoroughly.
- Sear the beef: Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef pieces until browned on all sides, giving the meat a flavorful crust without cooking it through.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared beef in a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Add diced onion, minced garlic, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this will prolong the cooking time and may affect tenderness.
- Add cream and tortellini: After the beef is tender, stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and the frozen 20-ounce bag of cheese tortellini. Gently mix to combine.
- Cook until tortellini is tender: Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, until the tortellini is soft and cooked through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Just before serving, stir in 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy steak bites and tortellini!
Notes
- Use your favorite cut of steak if stew beef is unavailable; sirloin or ribeye chunks work well.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid while cooking to ensure the beef becomes tender.
- You can substitute low or no sodium beef broth to control salt content.
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Frozen tortellini works best; no need to thaw before adding to the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American