Description
Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites combine tender seared steak with creamy plant-based cheese tortellini, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a rich natural cowboy butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and smoked paprika. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer that’s full of bold, savory flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 lb tender steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
- Smoked paprika (natural), 1 tsp
- 1 tbsp natural butter
Tortellini
- 8 oz plant-based cheese tortellini
- Salted water, for boiling
Smoked Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 2 tbsp natural butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Pinch natural gelling agent
- Additional black pepper (natural), to taste
- Additional smoked paprika (natural), to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper (natural)
- Plant-based parmesan, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Cut steak into bite-sized pieces and pat dry to ensure a good sear. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with natural butter and sear steak bites until golden crust forms and meat remains juicy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil plant-based cheese tortellini in salted water until al dente, around 2-3 minutes. Drain while reserving some pasta water, then set aside.
- Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same pan, cook smoked turkey bacon until golden and crisp. Remove bacon and chop into bite-sized pieces, leaving drippings in the pan for the sauce.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Lower heat and melt natural butter in the pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, fresh parsley, chives, and a pinch of natural gelling agent to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with black pepper and smoked paprika for bold flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Return steak bites, tortellini, and turkey bacon to the pan. Toss everything well in the warm cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and optional plant-based parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Pat steak dry before searing to develop a better crust.
- Do not overcook tortellini; keep it al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh herbs to add brightness and balance to the rich sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if it thickens too much.
- Cook bacon separately for perfect crispiness and smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cowboy butter, steak bites, plant-based tortellini, smoked turkey bacon, creamy pasta, savory dish, quick dinner, comfort food
