Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole Recipe
This Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender sirloin steak, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and delicate cheese tortellini baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a hearty weeknight meal or special gathering, it combines savory flavors with a gooey, cheesy texture that’s sure to please the entire family.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
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)
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Steak: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the sirloin steak pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking it for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of beef broth until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using), and 1 teaspoon paprika until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, but slightly undercook them by about 1-2 minutes to prevent over-softening during baking. Drain and toss the tortellini with a small drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Combine the cooked tortellini, seared steak pieces, and the creamy cheese sauce in the prepared dish. Gently stir everything to distribute the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and Garnish: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Slightly undercook tortellini to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and enhance flavors.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Frozen tortellini can be used; follow package instructions and slightly undercook.
- Optional add-ins include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cheese steak casserole, tortellini bake, cheesy pasta recipe, sirloin steak casserole, comfort food, baked pasta dish