A rich, comforting fusion of Philly cheesesteak and cheesy tortellini, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Introduction
Comfort food takes many shapes, but few dishes bring together the best of two culinary worlds as seamlessly as this Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce. This hearty and satisfying dish is a mashup of the beloved Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the creamy, cheesy goodness of Italian tortellini pasta. It creates a bold, flavorful, and texturally satisfying meal that will become a family favorite.
Combining tender slices of beef sirloin, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and cheese-filled tortellini in a luscious provolone and Parmesan sauce makes for a well-balanced meal. Whether you’re a meat lover, a cheese enthusiast, or simply a fan of big, bold flavors, this recipe is sure to impress.
This article will guide you through every step of making Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce, from the ingredients and preparation to cooking tips, calorie insights, and variations to try. By the end, you’ll have more than just a delicious dinner idea—you’ll have a reliable, crowd-pleasing go-to recipe.
 Ingredients (US Measurements)
For the Tortellini:
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini
Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Use a large pot of boiling, salted water. Once they are al dente (typically 3–5 minutes), drain the tortellini and set them aside. You can toss them with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while preparing the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin. Sear the meat on all sides until nicely browned and just cooked through—this should take about 4–5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced green bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, which should take 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Make the Provolone Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until it begins to thicken (about 4–6 minutes).
Once the sauce is thickened, add the shredded provolone and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked beef and vegetables to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and pour the cheese sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes over low heat before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley.
 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~600 kcal per serving (without additional toppings)
 How to Prepare This Recipe (In-Depth)
Choosing the Right Tortellini: Use high-quality, cheese-filled tortellini, preferably refrigerated rather than frozen or dried, for a richer flavor and softer texture.
Meat Tips: Flank steak or ribeye can be substituted for sirloin if you prefer a fattier or more tender cut. Make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Perfect Sautéed Veggies: Use a hot pan and do not overcrowd it to ensure the vegetables develop some caramelization. This adds both texture and flavor depth.
Creamy Sauce Mastery: When making the sauce, be patient. Adding milk too quickly or not whisking enough can lead to lumps. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
Blending Everything Together: Gently fold the tortellini into the sauce and beef mixture to prevent tearing the pasta. Stir over low heat to avoid breaking the cheese emulsion in the sauce.
 Tips for the Best Cheesesteak Tortellini
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting.
- Add Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp) to the beef while cooking for a boost of umami.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like heat.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the sauce.
- Substitute veggies: Try mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a variation.
- Make it a one-pan meal by cooking the sauce in the same skillet after the beef and veggies.
- Freeze portions before adding the tortellini for quick weeknight meal prep.
 Variations
Low-Carb Option: Substitute the tortellini with zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
Chicken Version: Use grilled chicken instead of beef for a lighter alternative that still tastes amazing.
Spicy Tex-Mex Fusion: Add taco seasoning to the beef and swap provolone for pepper jack cheese.
Baked Casserole Style: Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.
 Serving Suggestions
Serve this indulgent dish with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is excellent for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Pair with a glass of red wine like Merlot or a refreshing iced tea. For dessert, consider something light like lemon sorbet or fresh berries.
 Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating to prevent it from separating. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
 Final Thoughts
This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this dish is satisfying on all levels.
Not only is it simple to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes and pantry staples. With a creamy sauce, savory beef, sweet vegetables, and soft pasta, it’s a true comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to be requested again and again.
Add it to your meal rotation today and experience the joy of bold, creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite!