If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food that’s loaded with bold flavors and melty cheese, this cheesesteak tortellini skillet is about to become your new go-to dinner. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved classics — the rich, meaty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak and the creamy indulgence of cheese-filled tortellini.
This dish comes together in just one skillet, which means easy cleanup, fewer dishes, and more time enjoying dinner instead of doing chores. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends on the weekend, this recipe hits the sweet spot between simple and impressive.
What makes it even better? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With store-bought tortellini, tender steak or ground beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a cheesy, creamy sauce, you get a restaurant-style meal right at home — fast.
It’s cheesy, savory, and downright irresistible — and it proves that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. Keep reading to discover what ingredients you’ll need, how to whip it up, and creative tips to make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this cheesesteak tortellini skillet such a hit is the use of simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting dish. Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to recreate this recipe at home.
Cheese
The creamy, cheesy sauce is what ties this whole dish together. It brings the tortellini and steak into a harmonious blend of savory comfort.
- Provolone cheese – A classic choice for Philly cheesesteak, provolone melts beautifully and adds a subtle, slightly tangy flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese – Adds the gooey, stringy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Cream cheese – Creates the base of the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety finish that coats the tortellini perfectly.
Tip: You can also try using Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend if you want a stronger cheese flavor.
Tortellini
This dish uses cheese tortellini to add richness and body. It makes the skillet feel hearty and turns it into a full meal.
- Cheese tortellini – Either refrigerated or frozen tortellini will work. The cheese filling pairs perfectly with the beef and creamy sauce.
Note: Don’t overcook the tortellini during boiling — it will continue to cook slightly in the skillet.
Meat
A great cheesesteak-inspired dish starts with tender, flavorful beef. Here are your main protein options:
- Thinly sliced ribeye steak – The traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks. It’s juicy, well-marbled, and cooks quickly.
- Ground beef – A more affordable and faster alternative. It still delivers delicious flavor and works well in the skillet format.
Alternative options include shaved beef, sirloin, or pre-cooked steak strips if you’re short on time.
Vegetables
Vegetables bring color, texture, and essential flavor to this dish. They’re lightly sautéed to complement the meat and cheese.
- Bell peppers – Green peppers offer a slight bitterness, while red, yellow, or orange peppers add a sweeter note.
- Onion – Yellow or sweet onions work best. Sauté until golden to build depth of flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the overall aroma and adds a touch of warmth to the sauce.
Seasonings
A few pantry spices are all you need to bring out the full flavor of the dish.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning both the meat and the overall dish.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the creamy sauce and adds an herby note.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a hint of heat.
With these ingredients, you’re fully equipped to make a fast, flavorful, and filling meal in a single skillet. Next, let’s walk through how to bring it all together step by step.
How to Make Cheesesteak Tortellini in One Skillet
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe—aside from its rich flavor—is how easy it is to prepare. You’ll only need one skillet, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. Follow these simple steps to create your own cheesesteak tortellini skillet in under 30 minutes.
1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, then add your sliced ribeye steak or ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the beef if you’re using ground meat.
Once the meat is nearly cooked, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them together with the meat until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Tip: If there’s excess grease in the pan, drain it before continuing to the next step.
2. Add the Tortellini
Next, add the uncooked (or parboiled) tortellini to the skillet. If you’re using refrigerated tortellini, you can often add it straight in without boiling, especially if you add a splash of water or broth. Stir everything together so the tortellini is coated with the flavorful mixture of meat and vegetables.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the tortellini steam gently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until just tender. This step helps the pasta absorb the savory flavors while cooking through.
3. Stir in the Cream Cheese
Once the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese directly into the skillet. Stir until it melts and begins to form a creamy sauce. You may want to add a few tablespoons of milk or broth to loosen the mixture if needed.
Make sure everything is well combined—the cream cheese should coat the tortellini, steak, and vegetables evenly, creating a luscious, silky base.
4. Add the Shredded Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
Once melted, stir everything gently to combine, or serve as-is with melted cheese on top for presentation. At this point, the dish is hot, creamy, and ready to serve.
With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, filling meal that tastes like it came from a high-end sandwich shop—only better, because it’s all made in one pan in your own kitchen. In the next section, we’ll cover tips, substitutions, and ways to customize the dish to your taste.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
This cheesesteak tortellini skillet is already a flavorful, family-friendly favorite — but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to save time, adjust for dietary needs, or simply experiment with flavor, this section will guide you through practical tips and creative variations.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Use a large skillet
Since this is a one-pan dish, using a wide, deep skillet allows you to cook the meat, vegetables, and pasta evenly without overcrowding. - Pre-chop ingredients
Prepping your vegetables and meat ahead of time helps streamline the cooking process, especially when working with quick-cooking items like tortellini. - Don’t overcook tortellini
Tortellini cooks fast, especially when it’s fresh or refrigerated. Be careful not to let it sit too long in the pan or it may become too soft and lose its shape. - Adjust the sauce consistency
If the cream cheese makes the sauce too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or broth to achieve your desired creaminess.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein options
While ribeye or ground beef are traditional, you can substitute with:- Shaved sirloin or steak tips
- Thinly sliced rotisserie chicken
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option
- Tortellini variations
Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can switch it up with:- Spinach and ricotta tortellini for added greens
- Meat-filled tortellini for extra protein
- Cheese swaps
If you don’t have provolone or mozzarella:- Try shredded cheddar for a sharper flavor
- Use pepper jack for a spicy kick
- Fontina or gouda also melt well and add a gourmet touch
Flavor Variations
- Add mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms sautéed with the peppers and onions bring an earthy depth that complements the steak perfectly. - Spice it up
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist. - Make it smoky
Mix in a dash of smoked paprika or use smoked provolone to create a subtle smoky undertone. - Boost the veggies
Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini to make the dish more veggie-forward without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
With just a few tweaks, this cheesesteak tortellini recipe can easily adapt to different preferences, pantry limitations, or dietary goals. Whether you want to keep it classic or give it a personal twist, it’s guaranteed to remain cheesy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ribeye steak thinly sliced (or substitute with ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper green or red, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 9 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated or frozen
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup milk or broth as needed to loosen sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak (or ground beef) and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the uncooked tortellini and about 1/4 cup of water or broth. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually stir in milk or broth if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle provolone and mozzarella over the mixture. Cover the skillet again for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Gently stir to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.