Steak Bite Tortellini Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Beef and Mushrooms

01 - 680 g sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
02 - 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
03 - 340 g mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and portobello), sliced

→ Pasta

04 - 450 g fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Sauce

05 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 710 ml whole milk or half-and-half
08 - 200 g Fontina cheese, shredded
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 0.5 tsp dried thyme
11 - 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Topping and Garnish

13 - 110 g mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for topping)
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C. Toss sliced mushrooms with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and thyme. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook just until al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened. Add Fontina cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
05 - Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Combine cooked tortellini, roasted mushrooms, and seared steak bites in the dish. Pour Fontina sauce evenly over ingredients and toss gently to coat.
06 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top if desired. Bake uncovered at 190°C for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavor, incorporate caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes.
02 - Blend in Gruyère or Havarti cheese for a richer, more complex sauce.
03 - Add a layer of buttered breadcrumbs before baking to introduce a crunchy texture.
04 - Assemble ahead and refrigerate; increase bake time by 10 minutes if cold.
05 - Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat.