Get ready for a delicious mash-up of two beloved comfort foods: the savory flavors of a classic cheesesteak meets the creamy indulgence of cheese tortellini! This Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe combines tender ground beef (or steak strips), caramelized onions and peppers, and a rich, velvety provolone cheese sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked tortellini. It’s an incredibly satisfying and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe is a true stroke of culinary genius, and I absolutely adore it for its innovative flavor combination and sheer comfort factor! What I love most is how it takes all the best elements of a classic cheesesteak – the savory beef, sweet caramelized onions and bell peppers, and that iconic provolone cheese – and blends them seamlessly with tender, cheesy tortellini. The creamy provolone sauce, infused with garlic and Worcestershire, is utterly divine and coats every piece of pasta and beef beautifully. It’s a complete meal in one skillet (mostly!), minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor, and it’s always a huge hit with anyone who tries it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini:
- 1 lb of ground beef (or thinly sliced steak strips, such as sirloin or ribeye, for a more traditional cheesesteak flavor)
- 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (green or red for sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups provolone cheese, shredded (you can substitute with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for added flavor)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef vs. Steak Strips: Ground beef is quicker and easier. Thinly sliced steak strips (like sirloin or ribeye, cut against the grain) will give a more authentic cheesesteak texture and flavor. Partially freezing steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing thinly can help.
- Cheese Tortellini: Refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini both work well. No need to thaw frozen tortellini before cooking.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: Thinly slicing them helps them caramelize quickly and blend into the dish. Green bell pepper is classic for cheesesteaks, but red adds a touch more sweetness and color.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma and flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: Essential for that classic cheesesteak sauce. Freshly shredded cheese melts best. Mozzarella or an Italian blend can be substituted for a milder flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Crucial for the rich, creamy sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a vital savory, umami depth to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These bolster the savory flavors in the sauce.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini cooking!
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly and set them aside.
- Sear the Beef: In a large skillet (a 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven works well), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or thinly sliced steak strips). If using ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces. If using steak strips, cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but still tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the cooked beef to a plate. Set aside.
- Caramelize the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits add flavor!). Add the thinly sliced medium onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add the 2 cloves minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Prepare the Provolone Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 ½ cups heavy cream. Stir in the ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Gradually add the 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef (ground beef or steak strips) to the skillet with the provolone sauce. Mix it with the sauce until well combined. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring everything is coated evenly in the rich provolone sauce. Transfer the Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini to a serving dish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy hot immediately!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Cook just until al dente, as it will continue to warm in the sauce.
- Sear Beef Well: Browning the beef (or steak) aggressively builds flavor for the whole dish.
- Scrape the Fond: When sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; this adds immense flavor.
- Gentle Simmer for Sauce: Keep the heat at medium-low when adding the cream and cheese to the sauce to prevent curdling or clumping. Stir constantly until smooth.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding your own provolone from a block will yield a smoother, creamier sauce than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh when the sauce is perfectly creamy and the tortellini is tender.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra delicious provolone sauce.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing pasta dishes or hearty one-pan meals, consider our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce or our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini makes fantastic leftovers, though the pasta may absorb more sauce and soften.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin the sauce back to a desirable consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly, which can cause the cheese/cream to separate. You can also reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish due to the cream-based sauce and cheese, which can change texture and separate upon thawing and reheating. The tortellini can also become mushy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and hearty nature of this pasta skillet, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another classic pasta dish, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
- And for a hearty pasta bake made simple, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast is a fantastic time-saver.
- For a crowd-pleasing cheesy chicken dish, check out These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe is a brilliant fusion of flavors, bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a skillet full of rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite comfort food mash-up or fusion dish? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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