Ingredients
For the Cheesesteak Tortellini:
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- Optional: sliced mushrooms for added flavor
For the Provolone Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creamier sauce)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef or thinly sliced steak.
- Season with salt and pepper, breaking up the ground beef if using it. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Make the Provolone Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded provolone cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
4. Combine and Finish the Dish:
- Add the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, and drained tortellini to the cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the provolone sauce.
- Transfer to a serving dish or portion into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
5. Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of this cheesesteak-inspired pasta dish.
Tips for the Best Cheesesteak Tortellini:
- Choice of Meat: Thinly sliced steak gives the most authentic cheesesteak flavor, but ground beef is a convenient alternative.
- Extra Toppings: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, extra peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a flavor boost.
- Make It Extra Creamy: For an ultra-creamy sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or cream for the milk.
This Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone Sauce brings together the flavors of a classic cheesesteak with pasta for a comforting, cheesy meal!