Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight pasta that eats like a hug, Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is absolutely the answer. Imagine pillowy cheese tortellini mingling with tender morsels of steak and sweet, golden onions, all swirled together in a glossy pool of melty provolone. This lavish twist on the Philly classic combines all the flavors you love—with absolute ease and guaranteed seconds. It’s bold, creamy, and pure comfort on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is surprisingly short yet power-packed, with each ingredient playing a starring role. Think of this as assembling your dream team: every bite benefits from the savory broth, the buttery onions, and, of course, the cheesy finale.

• Cheese tortellini: Buy a 12-ounce package of refrigerated or frozen tortellini—these little stuffed pastas cook up in under five minutes and soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Olive oil: Just one tablespoon is enough to coax sweetness from the onions and sear the beef.
• Large onion, sliced: Yellow or sweet onions work best here; slice them thin for extra caramelized flavor throughout the dish.
• Beef steak, cubed (1 pound): Use sirloin or another tender cut for juicy bites; cube them small to keep every forkful easy to eat.
• Salt: Only half a teaspoon is needed to bring out the big, beefy notes.
• Pepper: A touch of pepper wakes up all those savory flavors and adds a gentle kick.
• Beef broth (1 cup): This infuses extra richness and guarantees a saucy, luscious result.
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Just a splash provides those iconic steakhouse flavors and a deep umami punch.
• Shredded provolone cheese (1 cup): The key to that signature melty, gooey cheese sauce—don’t be shy with it!

How to Make Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start with the foundation! Boil your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. They only need a few minutes—watch closely so they stay perfectly al dente. Once they’re tender, drain them, then set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in those sliced onions. Let them cook until they’re golden, soft, and fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible—the onions become sweet and add loads of depth to the final dish.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Crank the heat up a notch to medium-high, then add the cubed beef right into the onions. Season generously with salt and pepper as it sizzles. Don’t rush here—let the beef brown on all sides for extra flavor.

Step 4: Simmer With Broth and Worcestershire

Next, pour in the beef broth along with the Worcestershire sauce. This creates a savory bath that soaks into both the steak and onions. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then cook for about 5 minutes so everything melds together luxuriously.

Step 5: Finish With Tortellini

Lower the heat, then return the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Give everything a good toss! These cheesy pockets will start picking up that gorgeous sauce, making every bite more delicious.

Step 6: Melt in the Provolone

Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for just a few minutes until the cheese has melted into a silken blanket. This is the “rich provolone sauce” moment you’ve been waiting for—do not skip!

Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Dish up your Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce immediately. If you like, shower a little extra cheese on top before serving. You’ll be shocked at how quickly this creamy, hearty meal disappears!

How to Serve Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

Garnishes

Just before serving, scatter a few thinly sliced scallions or fresh parsley on top for a pop of green and freshness. For an even cheesier finish, add another dusting of shredded provolone, or try a pinch of crushed red pepper for gentle warmth.

Side Dishes

This is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s fabulous paired with a crisp green salad or simply roasted broccoli. A side of garlic bread or warm baguette is also highly recommended to soak up every drop of that provolone sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce in individual gratin dishes and finishing each under the broiler for one to two minutes until bubbling and slightly golden. For a party, offer it in small bowls with toothpicks for a fun, fork-free appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this an irresistible next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the sauce may thicken a bit once thawed. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tortellini and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, drizzling in a splash of extra broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch—use short intervals, stirring in between, for best results.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?

Sirloin is my top pick for Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce because it’s tender and quick-cooking, but ribeye or even leftover roast beef work great. Just cube it small so you get a little steak in every bite.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Fresh, refrigerated, or frozen cheese tortellini can all be used in this recipe. Simply follow the cooking instructions on your package and proceed with the rest of the steps.

Is there a substitute for provolone cheese?

If you can’t find provolone, try using mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan for a similar melt and flavor. The cheese sauce may be slightly different, but still rich and delicious.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach would be great additions to Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce. Just sauté the veggies with the onions until tender.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a little heat, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions, or add some sliced hot cherry peppers along with the steak. It’s an easy way to add zip without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that’s just a little out of the ordinary, Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is the dish to make. It’s weeknight easy, impressively luscious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you just might find your new forever favorite!

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