Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for cozy days. Packed with rich tomato flavors, tender ground beef, and creamy cheese tortellini, this easy slow cooker recipe combines convenience with deliciousness. It’s a wonderful one-pot dinner that lets you set it and forget it until dinnertime.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary, and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the remaining ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to let flavors meld and beef become tender.
- Add tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini. Continue cooking on low for 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Finish the soup: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to warm through for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a hearty comfort meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional but adds a nice hint of heat.
- Refrigerated tortellini works best, but you can use frozen tortellini by adjusting cooking times slightly.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to add a vibrant touch, but dried herbs can be used in cooking.
