Imagine biting into tender tortellini stuffed with cheesy goodness, then swirled in a velvety provolone sauce that’s as rich as your favorite cheesesteak sandwich. Sounds mouthwatering, right? This recipe for Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce combines the best parts of comfort food into one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or just treating yourself after a long day.
Here’s the best part: it’s easy enough to make even if you’re not a kitchen pro. You don’t need hours of prep or fancy tools—just some basic ingredients and a love for hearty, cheesy goodness.
Ready to dive in? Let me show you why this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Classic: Combines the best of cheesesteaks and pasta.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with the whole family.
- Customizable: Swap the beef, add veggies, or make it spicy.
What Does Taste Like?
Think creamy, cheesy, and savory, with tender pasta and hearty beef that’s seasoned to perfection. The provolone sauce ties everything together with its rich, slightly tangy flavor, while sautéed onions and peppers add just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh tortellini (cheese-filled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works best)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef, cooking until browned. Remove the beef and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Make the Provolone Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add shredded provolone cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked tortellini and pour the provolone sauce over the top. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve with Cheesesteak Tortellini
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli or asparagus make great sides.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesesteak Tortellini
- Choose Quality Cheese: Fresh provolone melts smoother and tastes better.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep tortellini al dente for the best texture.
- Use Thinly Sliced Beef: It cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked tortellini?
Yes! Just heat them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce.
What can I substitute for provolone?
Mozzarella or Gruyère are great alternatives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and beef in advance, but cook the tortellini fresh for the best texture.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the beef for mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and substitute the flour with a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
When you combine tender tortellini, flavorful beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, magic happens. This recipe for Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is everything you could want in a comfort food dish—easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to wow everyone at the table.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh tortellini (cheese-filled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works best)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the tortellini in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Beef and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef until browned, then remove. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare Provolone Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add shredded provolone, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring until smooth.
- Combine: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add cooked tortellini and pour the provolone sauce over. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with parsley (optional), and serve warm.
Notes
Tipes:
- Cheese Options: Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Gruyère if needed.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat.
- Make Ahead: Sauce and beef can be prepped in advance; cook the tortellini fresh.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 25g