A Philly cheesesteak reimagined: tender, cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a rich, creamy provolone sauce with shaved steak, onions, and a hint of Dijon mustard. This recipe brings together the bold, savory flavors of a classic sandwich with the cozy comfort of pasta in a one-pot masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish fuses two comfort food favorites into one. It’s perfect for weeknights when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of melty cheese, juicy beef, and creamy sauce wrapped around pillowy tortellini hits every comfort food craving. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal—fewer dishes, more flavor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 tablespoon neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or vegetable)
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1 lb thinly shaved beef steak
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1 onion, peeled and diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 cup chicken stock
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1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard
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½ cup milk
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8 oz sliced provolone cheese, torn into small pieces
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4 oz American cheese or Cooper cheese (optional; can substitute all provolone if preferred)
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1 lb cheese tortellini, cooked al dente according to package instructions
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
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I start by heating an empty stainless steel or cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat for about 5 minutes. Then I add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.
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I roughly chop the shaved beef into bite‑sized pieces.
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I scatter the beef and diced onion into the hot pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. I let it cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes until the bottom is nicely browned.
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Then I stir to break up the meat and let it cook for another 2–4 minutes until there’s no more pink. I add garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant.
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I pour in the chicken stock and Dijon mustard, bringing it to a boil while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
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I add the milk and scatter the provolone and American (or Cooper) cheese on top. Stirring constantly, I wait until everything is fully melted and combined.
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I fold in the cooked tortellini and stir gently. I remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 3 minutes.
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I give it one final stir and serve it with fresh chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 5 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes use all provolone if I’m out of American or Cooper cheese—it still turns out delicious, just a bit less creamy.
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For a kick of heat, I like to stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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When I want a veggie boost, I add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently over medium heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best for this recipe?
I usually go for thinly shaved beef, like ribeye or sirloin. If I can’t find it pre-shaved, I partially freeze a steak and slice it thin myself.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I’ve made it a few hours ahead and kept it warm in a covered pan. Just be sure to stir it gently before serving to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini?
I don’t recommend freezing it because the cheese sauce can separate when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What cheese can I use instead of provolone?
If I’m out of provolone, I’ve used mozzarella or fontina for a similar melt and mild flavor. Even Swiss works if I want a sharper edge.
How do I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?
I make sure to tear the cheese into small pieces and stir constantly over medium heat until fully melted. Adding the milk before the cheese also helps it incorporate smoothly.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is my go-to when I want rich, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food that doesn’t take a ton of effort. It’s everything I love about a cheesesteak, but in a creamy, pasta-packed dish that always gets rave reviews at the dinner table.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, one‑pot
- Cuisine: American fusion
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A Philly cheesesteak reimagined: tender, cheese‑filled tortellini tossed in a rich, creamy provolone sauce with shaved steak, onions, and a hint of Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or vegetable)
- 1 lb thinly shaved beef steak
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard
- ½ cup milk
- 8 oz sliced provolone cheese, torn into small pieces
- 4 oz American cheese or Cooper cheese (optional; can substitute all provolone if preferred)
- 1 lb cheese tortellini, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat an empty stainless steel or cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat for about 5 minutes. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Roughly chop the shaved beef into bite‑sized pieces.
- Scatter the beef and diced onion into the hot pan. Season with salt and pepper. Let cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes, until the underside is nicely browned.
- Stir to break up the meat and continue cooking 2–4 more minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken stock and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
- Pour in the milk and distribute the torn provolone and American (or Cooper) cheese pieces over the top. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the milk.
- Add the cooked tortellini and stir gently to combine. Remove the pan from heat, cover, and let sit for 3 minutes.
- Uncover, stir gently once more, and serve, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- If using pre‑shaved steak, simply pile and roughly chop it into bite‑sized pieces. For whole steak, trim and cut into ~3‑inch slabs, freeze one hour, then shave thinly and roughly chop.
- American or Cooper cheese enhances sauce creaminess, but you can use all provolone if preferred.
- Pair with garlic bread or garlic‑flavored sides to sop up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 722 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1731 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg