This “Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce” is the perfect mash-up of creamy comfort and bold, savory flavors! Imagine tender tortellini tossed with all the cheesesteak classics—juicy strips of beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers—then coated in a luxurious, melty provolone cheese sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, making it a family favorite that’s anything but boring! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is a total win.
Ingredients
•1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
•1 tbsp olive oil
•1 small onion, thinly sliced
•1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
•2 tbsp butter
•1 tbsp all-purpose flour
•1 cup whole milk
•1/2 cup heavy cream
•1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese (plus extra for garnish)
•Salt and pepper, to taste
•Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Beef: While the tortellini cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside with the beef.
4. Make the Provolone Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the provolone cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the beef, veggies, and cooked tortellini to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine everything and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra shredded provolone and fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Helpful Tips
•Prep Ahead: For faster weeknight cooking, slice your beef, onions, and bell peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also make the provolone sauce a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
•Perfect Beef: To get thin, even slices of beef, try popping the sirloin in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. It makes the meat firm enough to slice thin without shredding.
•Cheese Melt Magic: When adding the provolone to the sauce, make sure to lower the heat and stir constantly to avoid any clumping or separation. This keeps the sauce silky smooth!
•Pasta Water Perk: Reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water before draining the tortellini. If your sauce is too thick, a splash of starchy pasta water will loosen it up without sacrificing creaminess.
•Garnish Like a Pro: Fresh parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and flavor at the end. You can also sprinkle on a bit of extra shredded provolone for that extra cheesy factor!
Substitutions and Variations
•Meat Options: Not a fan of beef or want to switch it up? Try this dish with chicken, ground turkey, or even sausage. For a vegetarian version, swap in sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
•Different Cheeses: Provolone is the star here, but if you want to experiment, try using mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a slightly different flavor. A bit of Parmesan added to the sauce will also give it a nice depth.
•Pasta Swaps: While tortellini works beautifully, you can use any filled pasta like ravioli. In a pinch, regular pasta (like penne or farfalle) will still taste amazing!
•Add-Ins: Want more veggies? Toss in some mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini for extra nutrition. Or, spice it up with a few chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Both fresh and frozen tortellini work great in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’re good to go!
How do I reheat the leftovers without drying out the sauce?
To keep the provolone sauce creamy when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat. If reheating in the microwave, stir halfway through and add a bit of liquid to avoid drying out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything, store the components separately, and combine them when ready to serve. The sauce can be made a day in advance, but add the tortellini just before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.
What can I serve with this dish?
Cheesesteak Tortellini is quite hearty, but a light green salad or some roasted veggies would complement it beautifully. Garlic bread on the side is also a win if you want to double down on the comfort factor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop with a little extra cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
More Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re as obsessed with this delicious fusion as I am, then you’ll definitely want to check out these variations of Cheesesteak Tortellini! Each one puts its own unique spin on the classic combo of pasta, beef, and rich cheese sauce. Dive into these recipes for even more cheesy goodness:
This recipe keeps things simple and quick while packing in all the flavors we love. Perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and satisfying.
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish? This version adds a few tasty twists to the classic, making it ideal for a weekend gathering or potluck.
For a detailed take on this indulgent dish, this recipe walks you through every step to create a seriously comforting meal packed with flavor.
This section adds more context for readers while maintaining relevance to the original recipe! Let me know if you’d like further edits.
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Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This “Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce” is the perfect mash-up of creamy comfort and bold, savory flavors! Imagine tender tortellini tossed with all the cheesesteak classics—juicy strips of beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers—then coated in a luxurious, melty provolone cheese sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, making it a family favorite that’s anything but boring! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is a total win.
Ingredients
•1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
•1 tbsp olive oil
•1 small onion, thinly sliced
•1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
•2 tbsp butter
•1 tbsp all-purpose flour
•1 cup whole milk
•1/2 cup heavy cream
•1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese (plus extra for garnish)
•Salt and pepper, to taste
•Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Beef: While the tortellini cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside with the beef.
4. Make the Provolone Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the provolone cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the beef, veggies, and cooked tortellini to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine everything and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra shredded provolone and fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
•Additions/Substitutions: Swap out beef for chicken or use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version! You can also add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
•Pro Tip: If you want a little more heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or top with a dash of hot sauce before serving.
•Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Cheesesteak Tortellini, Provolone Cheese Sauce, Pasta Dishes, Family Dinner