Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole Recipe
A rich and comforting Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole featuring tender seared sirloin steak tossed with cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked to bubbly golden perfection and topped with mozzarella and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak or steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or golden cheddar blend)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
Pasta and Toppings
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the bite-sized sirloin steak pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sear Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak pieces and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 1 cup beef broth until smooth and combined. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using), and 1 teaspoon paprika until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the 20 oz package of cheese tortellini according to package instructions, but slightly undercook to prevent over-softness during baking. Drain and toss the tortellini with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked tortellini, seared steak pieces, and cheese sauce in the dish. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for best texture.
- Slightly undercooking tortellini before baking prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle tang to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with steak tips or any tender cut suitable for quick searing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a hearty meal the next day.
Keywords: cheese steak, tortellini casserole, baked pasta, creamy cheese sauce, sirloin steak recipe, comfort food, easy casserole
