Description
Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites combine tender steak pieces with soft plant-based cheese tortellini and crispy smoked turkey bacon, all coated in a rich and vibrant cowboy butter sauce made from plant-based butter, fresh garlic, natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This delightful dish offers a comforting yet gourmet experience, perfect for sharing as a hearty appetizer or main meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 lb tender sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Tortellini
- 12 oz plant-based cheese tortellini
- Salt, for boiling water
Smoked Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the steak bites: Season the bite-sized steak pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak bites until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the plant-based cheese tortellini and cook until they float to the surface and are tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water, then set tortellini aside.
- Crisp the smoked turkey bacon: In the same skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove from skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and leave the rendered fat in the pan.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: Add plant-based butter and minced garlic to the skillet with turkey bacon fat. Sauté gently until fragrant. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), chopped parsley, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked tortellini, steak bites, and chopped turkey bacon into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
- Cook steak bites quickly on high heat to keep them juicy and tender.
- Save some pasta water to naturally thicken the sauce.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- For garnishing, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives and optionally crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with mixed green salad in lemon vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or garlic bread made with plant-based butter for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or plant-based butter or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: steak bites, tortellini, cowboy butter sauce, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, appetizer, easy recipe, comfort food
