Name: Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped parsley

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight indulgence: Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce. This hearty dish fuses the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with creamy, cheese-filled tortellini in a velvety provolone sauce that hugs every bite.

Savory seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and tender pasta all meld together in a skillet full of comfort. It’s fast enough for busy nights, indulgent enough for weekends, and absolutely satisfying every time.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh cheese tortellini from the refrigerated section works best in this recipe. It cooks quickly and holds up beautifully to the thick, cheesy sauce. If you only have frozen tortellini, just boil them separately until al dente before adding them in.

Ingredients for the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped parsley for garnish

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce (1)

How To Make the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or thinly sliced steak. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula if using ground beef. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Push veggies to one side of the pan. Melt butter in the cleared space, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Lower heat and stir in provolone and parmesan cheeses until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked beef and uncooked tortellini into the skillet. Stir to coat in sauce. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until tortellini is tender. Garnish and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Cheesesteak Tortellini

This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just boil them separately until just tender before adding them to the sauce.

What other cheeses can I use?

Mozzarella, fontina, or white American cheese also work well here.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the beef and double up on the veggies, or use plant-based meat alternatives.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild, but you can amp it up with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and veggies ahead and store them separately. Reheat with the sauce and tortellini just before serving.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love creamy, comfort-packed pasta dinners, check out these other easy favorites:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for bold Italian flavors.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for garlicky richness.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s both romantic and satisfying.
Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna for a layered take on pasta night.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach when you’re craving seafood comfort.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again and again.

And when you do, let me know how it went in the comments. Did you stick with provolone or try another cheese? Add mushrooms or spice it up? I love hearing your spins on the classics.

Craving more comfort food and creative dinners? Follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes for fresh inspiration daily!

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce blends tender cheese tortellini with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers, and onions all simmered in a silky provolone cheese sauce. A skillet full of comfort and flavor perfect for weeknight dinners.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or steak and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

3. Push veggies to one side of the skillet. Melt butter in the cleared space, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened.

4. Lower heat and stir in provolone and parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

5. Add the cooked beef and uncooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir to coat, cover, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until tortellini is tender. Garnish and serve.