Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole

Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole 🧀🥘✨

A rich, golden, creamy casserole inspired by classic cheesesteak flavors — warm, hearty, and comforting in every bite.

Introduction

If you grew up loving cheesy casseroles and skillet dinners that made the whole house smell warm and inviting, this Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole will feel like a cozy trip back home. It’s everything we love about a good, hearty bake: tender tortellini, a creamy steakhouse-style sauce, and a bubbling, golden cheese topping that pulls into perfect strings with every scoop.

This dish blends the flavors of a classic cheesesteak — savory beef, peppers, onions — and wraps them in a creamy, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of tortellini. The oven adds that final magic touch, melting mozzarella and cheddar into a perfectly golden crust.

It’s the kind of recipe your family immediately asks for again.
The kind of bake you bring to potlucks and never take home leftovers from.
And the kind you secretly hope will stretch long enough for tomorrow’s lunch.

Ingredient Overview

Meat & Veggies

  • 1 lb ground beef
    The hearty base that gives classic cheesesteak flavor.

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
    Adds richness, spice, and depth — or use extra beef for a milder version.

  • 1 small onion, diced
    Sweetens the casserole as it cooks.

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    Bright color + classic cheesesteak vibe.

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
    Essential for building savory flavor.

Pasta & Cheese

  • 1 bag (20–24 oz) cheese tortellini
    Soft, creamy little pillows that make this casserole irresistible.

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
    For that melty, stretchy top layer.

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
    Adds bold flavor and browns beautifully.

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
    Creates the silky, rich base.

  • 1 cup beef broth
    Deepens the savory, steakhouse-style flavor.

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    Adds herby notes without overpowering.

  • ½ tsp paprika
    Warm, earthy, and subtly smoky.

  • Salt & pepper
    Adjust to taste depending on your sausage.

Finishing Touch

  • Chopped parsley (optional)
    Adds color and freshness after baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

⭐ Step 1 — Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (and Italian sausage, if using) with the diced onion and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
Drain off any excess grease.

⭐ Step 2 — Add the Bell Pepper

Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until softened.

⭐ Step 3 — Build the Creamy Sauce

Add:

  • Heavy cream

  • Beef broth

  • Italian seasoning

  • Paprika

  • Salt & pepper

Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors blend.

⭐ Step 4 — Add the Tortellini

Pour in the cheese tortellini and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

⭐ Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Top evenly with mozzarella + cheddar.

⭐ Step 6 — Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly, melted, and beautifully golden.

⭐ Step 7 — Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve hot, creamy, and delicious.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to boil the tortellini first?
No — it cooks directly in the sauce.

2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes — add directly from frozen.

3. Can I use only ground beef?
Of course — just omit the sausage.

4. Can I make this spicier?
Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

5. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes — sauté them with the onions.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
It works, but sauce will be thinner.

7. Can I use green peppers instead of red?
Yes — classic cheesesteak flavor.

8. Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

9. Will uncooked tortellini get mushy?
No — it softens perfectly while baking.

10. Can I make this keto?
Skip tortellini and use steamed cauliflower.

11. Can I use plant-based sausage?
Yes — works perfectly.

12. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — thaw and reheat gently.

13. Can I add spinach?
Yes — stir in during Step 4.

14. Can I use mozzarella only?
Yes — but cheddar adds amazing flavor.

15. Can I bake it longer?
Yes — cover with foil if cheese browns too fast.

16. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use two 9×13 pans.

17. What’s best to serve with it?
Salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.

18. Can I add Worcestershire sauce?
Great flavor boost!

19. Can I use canned mushrooms?
Yes — drain well first.

20. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely — mild, creamy, and cheesy.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Use freshly shredded cheese — it melts smoother.
2. Don’t overcook bell peppers; they soften in the oven.
3. Add spinach for color and nutrients.
4. Use fire-roasted peppers for smoky depth.
5. Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne.
6. Mix mozzarella + provolone for real cheesesteak flavor.
7. Add sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.
8. Use Italian sausage for bold flavor.
9. Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling.
10. Don’t skip paprika — adds warmth and color.
11. Let the casserole rest before serving — it thickens.
12. Add a spoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
13. Use a deep-dish pan to prevent overflow.
14. Taste before salting — sausage is salty.
15. Add chopped cherry tomatoes for freshness.
16. Stir in parmesan for richer sauce.
17. Make it gluten-free with GF tortellini.
18. Add jalapeños for heat lovers.
19. Broil the top for 1 minute for crispy cheese.
20. Garnish with parsley or basil for color.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

  2. Freeze up to 2 months.

  3. Store in airtight containers.

  4. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for best texture.

  5. Add a splash of cream if reheating on stovetop.

  6. Microwave in 45-second intervals.

  7. Freeze individual portions for easy meals.

  8. Add fresh cheese after reheating to revive the top.

  9. Avoid reheating multiple times — pasta softens.

  10. Garnish with fresh parsley after reheating.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Use provolone with mozzarella for true cheesesteak flavor.

  2. Sauté onions until golden for sweetness.

  3. Add a splash of Worcestershire to deepen flavor.

  4. Add Dijon mustard for warmth.

  5. Use smoked paprika for richness.

  6. Add ½ cup parmesan to sauce for depth.

  7. Finish with a swirl of butter for silkiness.

  8. Use beef broth instead of water — huge flavor boost.

  9. Add roasted garlic for sweetness.

  10. Use red + green peppers for color.

  11. Simmer sauce longer for thicker creaminess.

  12. Add cream cheese for luxurious texture.

  13. Add crushed red pepper for spice.

  14. Mix mozzarella into the casserole, not just on top.

  15. Bake uncovered for golden cheese.

  16. Add caramelized onions for a sweeter profile.

  17. Use aged cheddar for bolder taste.

  18. Add fresh basil at the end for freshness.

  19. Let tortellini rest 5 minutes before serving.

  20. Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Cheese Steak Tortellini Casserole is everything cozy dinners should be — creamy, hearty, cheesy, rich, and full of comforting flavors that feel like home. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for company. A true family favorite.

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