There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that brings together the best of two worlds. This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce does exactly that. It takes the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, melted cheese, and just the right seasonings—and pairs them with tender cheese-filled tortellini, all smothered in a creamy, indulgent provolone sauce. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I love this recipe because it’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or even impressing guests, this dish delivers bold, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. Every bite is loaded with hearty flavors, gooey cheese, and the perfect balance of creamy and savory. If you’re a fan of cheesesteaks and pasta, this is a match made in food heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesesteak Tortellini

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ultra-Cheesy – The rich provolone sauce coats every bite, ensuring maximum indulgence.
Crowd-Pleasing – Whether for family dinners or guests, this dish is always a hit.
Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with beef, pasta, and creamy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort meal.
Customizable – You can add mushrooms, peppers, or spice to make it your own.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

When it comes to choosing the perfect tortellini for this dish, you have a few options. I prefer using cheese-filled tortellini because it enhances the richness of the provolone sauce and complements the beef beautifully. However, if you want to experiment, you can also try beef or spinach tortellini for a slightly different flavor profile.

Fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section works best, as it cooks quickly and has a tender texture. But if you only have frozen or dried tortellini, don’t worry! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Options for Substitutions

This Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe is flexible, and you can easily tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great substitutions:

Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Different Cheese Options: If you’re out of provolone, try mozzarella, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack. They all melt beautifully into the sauce.
Pasta Varieties: If tortellini isn’t available, use ravioli, rotini, or even penne. The key is to use a pasta that holds sauce well.
Milk Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to maintain the richness.
Extra Flavor Add-Ins: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the cheesesteak flavors.

Ingredients for This Cheesesteak Tortellini

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in bringing out the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cheese Tortellini – The star of the dish, these little pasta pockets provide a delicious, creamy bite.
Ground Beef – Gives the dish its signature cheesesteak flavor with a hearty, meaty texture.
Provolone Cheese – The key to the luscious, melty sauce that brings everything together.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and a velvety smooth consistency to the sauce.
Beef Broth – Enhances the savory, umami flavors and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic deepens the overall flavor with a bit of aromatic warmth.
Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, just like in a classic cheesesteak.
Butter – Helps create the base of the sauce, adding a touch of richness.
Flour – Works as a thickening agent to give the sauce the perfect creamy consistency.
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
Parsley (Optional) – A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Each of these ingredients contributes to the indulgent, comforting, and perfectly balanced dish that makes this Cheesesteak Tortellini so irresistible.

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Provolone Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded provolone cheese until smooth and fully melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate cheesy, comforting dish!

How Long to Cook the Cheesesteak Tortellini

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times:

Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks in about 3-5 minutes, while frozen may take 5-7 minutes.
Ground Beef: Browning the beef takes 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
Aromatics & Sauce: Sautéing onions and garlic takes 2-3 minutes, and the provolone sauce thickens within 5 minutes.
Final Combining: Once everything is mixed, let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes total for this delicious meal.

Tips for Perfect Cheesesteak Tortellini

Use Fresh Provolone: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents. For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded provolone.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook just until tender to avoid mushy pasta. Fresh tortellini cooks fast, so keep an eye on it!
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of starchy pasta water can help adjust the sauce consistency without making it too heavy.
Sauté Onions Until Soft: This enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, just like in a classic cheesesteak.
Season to Taste: Provolone and beef broth add saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.
Let the Sauce Thicken: Giving the sauce a few minutes to simmer ensures it clings to the tortellini perfectly.
Customize It: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

With these tips, you’ll get a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Cheesesteak Tortellini every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is easy, a few small mistakes can make a big difference in the final dish. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Tortellini – Tortellini cooks fast! If left in the water too long, it can become too soft and break apart when mixed with the sauce.
Not Draining the Beef Properly – Too much grease can make the sauce oily instead of creamy. Drain excess fat before adding the meat back to the pan.
Skipping the Flour Step – The flour helps thicken the sauce, so don’t forget to stir it in before adding the liquid. Otherwise, the sauce may turn out too thin.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese – Freshly shredded provolone melts much better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Adding Cold Cheese Too Quickly – If the cheese is too cold, it might not melt properly. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding it to the sauce.
Not Stirring Enough – Keep stirring while making the sauce to prevent it from clumping or burning at the bottom of the pan.
Forgetting to Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Depending on your broth and cheese, the salt level might vary. Taste the sauce before adding additional seasoning.
Making the Sauce Too Early – Provolone sauce thickens as it sits. If you make it too far in advance, it may become too thick and need extra liquid to loosen up.

What to Serve With Cheesesteak Tortellini?

This dish is rich and cheesy, so pairing it with something fresh, crispy, or light balances it out perfectly. Here are some great side options:

1. Garlic Bread

A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy provolone sauce.

2. Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh, slightly charred contrast.

4. Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms complement the cheesesteak flavors and add extra umami to your meal.

5. Steamed Broccoli

A healthy, fresh side that pairs well with cheesy dishes without overpowering them.

6. French Fries

A nod to the classic Philly cheesesteak, crispy fries on the side make this meal extra indulgent.

7. Pickles or Pepperoncini

The tangy bite of pickles or pepperoncini peppers balances out the richness of the provolone sauce.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, smoky grilled corn is a surprising but delicious pairing for this pasta dish.

With the right sides, you can turn this comforting Cheesesteak Tortellini into a complete, well-balanced meal!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce stores well and reheats beautifully with a few simple steps.

Refrigerating:

Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Because of the creamy provolone sauce, freezing isn’t ideal as the sauce may separate. However, if you must freeze it:
- Let the dish cool completely.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

On the Stove: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through.
In the Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a little liquid if needed to keep the sauce creamy.

Avoid overheating, as it can make the sauce grainy or the pasta too soft.

Estimated Nutrition

The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on four servings):

Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~110mg
Sodium: ~900mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~6g

These numbers may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using lean ground beef, reducing the cheese, or using a lighter cream alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes! While cheese tortellini adds extra creaminess, you can use ravioli, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. If making ahead, prepare everything but store the sauce and pasta separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat and mix them together, adding a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

3. What kind of beef should I use?

Ground beef is the easiest and quickest option, but thinly sliced ribeye or shaved steak (like an authentic cheesesteak) can be used for an extra flavorful version.

4. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Just note that the sauce may be slightly thinner.

5. How do I keep the cheese from clumping in the sauce?

Use freshly shredded provolone and add it gradually, stirring constantly over low heat. Also, avoid overheating the sauce, as high heat can cause the cheese to become grainy.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions. Sauté them with the onions and garlic to blend their flavors into the sauce.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños for some heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone.

8. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy cheese sauce and pasta make it a hit with kids. If they’re sensitive to onions or garlic, you can reduce or omit them.

Conclusion

This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest and share it with family and friends! Let me know in the comments how you customized it—I’d love to hear your variations!