Savory Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce

Savory Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods—cheesesteak and cheese-stuffed tortellini.  This indulgent dish features tender beef sirloin, sautéed peppers, onions, and a velvety provolone sauce that coats each piece of tortellini, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a special dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small to medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Make the Provolone Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour to create a roux. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk or cream and bring to a simmer, allowing it to thicken. Add the shredded provolone cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables to the skillet, then gently add the cooked tortellini. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
  6. Optional Broil: For extra richness, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with more provolone cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot!

Nutrients

  • Calories: 450-500 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 25-30g
  • Carbohydrates: 35-40g
  • Fat: 20-25g
  • Calcium: 20% of daily recommended intake

Why You’ll Love Savory Cheesesteak Tortellini

There are several reasons why Savory Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce stands out as an amazing meal:

  • A Delicious Fusion of Flavors – This dish combines the hearty cheesesteak with the delicate richness of cheese-stuffed tortellini. The beef, peppers, and onions evoke the flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich, while the creamy provolone sauce envelops the tortellini in comforting richness. The result is a dish that brings the best of both worlds together, delivering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
  • Comforting Yet Elegant – The creamy, cheesy sauce and savory beef make this dish feel indulgent, but the addition of tortellini gives it a slightly refined twist. It’s the perfect comfort food to serve for a cozy weeknight dinner, but it also makes an impressive dish for hosting guests or a special dinner.
  • Easy to Prepare – While this recipe feels indulgent, it’s relatively easy to make. With just a few key ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. There’s no need for complicated techniques or long hours in the kitchen—this dish is a great balance between quick preparation and rich, satisfying flavor.
  • Versatile and Customizable – This recipe can be easily customized based on your preferences. You can opt for different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, or even use a combination of cheeses to create your own take on the dish. You could also swap the beef for chicken or vegetarian options like tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version. The possibilities are endless!

The Key Ingredients That Make the Dish Shine

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients that elevate this dish:

Tortellini – The Cheesy Base

The cheese-stuffed tortellini provides the base of the dish, and it’s what gives the meal its signature texture. The cheese filling inside each piece of tortellini adds another layer of richness and creamy satisfaction. Tortellini’s pillowy texture perfectly complements the smooth provolone sauce and creates a comforting bite in every forkful. Whether you choose store-bought or make your own, this delicious pasta adds heartiness to the dish while allowing the flavors of the other ingredients to shine.

Beef Sirloin – Tender and Flavorful

Tender, thinly sliced beef sirloin brings the authentic flavors of a cheesesteak to the dish. It’s seared to create a savory base, adding depth and richness to the creamy sauce. Sirloin is the perfect cut for this dish, offering a balance of flavor and tenderness without being overly fatty. The beef also absorbs the flavors of the sautéed vegetables and cheese sauce, making every bite full of flavor.

Sautéed Peppers and Onions – Sweet and Savory

The combination of sautéed bell peppers and onions adds both texture and flavor to the dish. As the vegetables cook down, they develop a sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese sauce. The onions, in particular, caramelize as they cook, bringing out a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. The peppers contribute a slight crunch and freshness that brightens the richness of the creamy sauce, creating a wonderful contrast in both texture and flavor.

Provolone Sauce – Creamy and Velvety

The provolone cheese sauce is the heart of this dish. It transforms the tortellini and beef into an indulgent, creamy delight. Provolone cheese, with its smooth texture and mildly sharp flavor, melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a luscious consistency that coats the pasta beautifully. Adding a combination of butter, flour, and milk or cream forms a smooth roux that gives the sauce the perfect creamy texture. Provolone is a classic cheese that pairs beautifully with beef, and it melts wonderfully to create a luscious sauce that binds the dish together.

The Optional Parmesan – Extra Flavor Boost

While the provolone is the star of the sauce, a touch of grated Parmesan can be added for an extra burst of umami flavor. Parmesan adds a more salty and sharp element to the sauce, enhancing the creaminess of the provolone. It’s optional but can be stirred into the sauce or sprinkled on top for a little extra flavor and texture.

The Cooking Process – A Quick, Satisfying Meal

Making Savory Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce is straightforward. Here’s why this recipe is so approachable:

  • Searing the Beef – The beef is quickly browned in the pan, which helps develop rich flavors while ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy. Once browned, it’s removed and set aside, allowing the vegetables and sauce to take center stage.
  • Sautéing Vegetables – The bell peppers, onions, and garlic are sautéed in the same pan, allowing them to absorb any leftover juices from the beef. This process also caramelizes the vegetables, creating that sweet, savory flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the beef and sauce.
  • Making the Sauce – After the vegetables are softened, a simple but flavorful provolone cheese sauce is created by adding butter, flour, milk, and provolone cheese. The sauce thickens up as the cheese melts, coating everything with a silky smooth texture that’s perfect for the pasta.
  • Combining the Ingredients – Once the sauce is ready, the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, and tortellini are added to the skillet and gently stirred together, allowing the flavors to meld. This step ensures that every piece of tortellini is coated with the creamy provolone sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

This dish is so versatile and can be paired with various sides or customized to fit your preferences:

  • Serve with Garlic Bread – Pair this cheesy dish with some crispy garlic bread for the ultimate indulgence. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
  • Add Extra Veggies – For a more veggie-packed meal, add some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sautéed vegetables. These additions will enhance the flavor and provide more nutrients to the dish.
  • Top with Fresh Herbs – Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness. The herbs balance the richness of the cheese and add an aromatic element that enhances the dish.

Conclusion – A Comfort Food Winner

Savory Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce is a perfect dish for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. This hearty, indulgent meal brings together the flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich and the soft, cheesy goodness of tortellini, making it a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to deliver on flavor and satisfaction.

With tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, every bite of this dish is a comforting experience. Plus, it’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for serving with your favorite sides. If you love cheesy, savory comfort food, this dish is one you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Enjoy this delicious fusion and experience the best of both cheesesteaks and tortellini!

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