Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is the perfect choice. Imagine a rich, creamy tomato soup base packed with savory ground beef and tender tortellini. It’s a cozy bowl of goodness that’s easy to make and even easier to love. The best part? You get all the comfort of a hearty soup, but it’s incredibly simple to throw together in the slow cooker.

This soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm, filling, and satisfying. It’s got all the flavors you crave—a delicious mix of beef, tomato, and Italian herbs—along with the comforting texture of pillowy tortellini. Trust me, this is one of those dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

Easy and Convenient:

Throw everything into the slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work for you. There’s no need to babysit the soup—just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!

Comforting and Hearty:

With the combination of savory ground beef, creamy tomatoes, and cheesy tortellini, this soup is incredibly satisfying. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in.

Full of Flavor:

The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a soup that’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-delicious.

Perfect for Meal Prep:

This soup keeps really well, so it’s ideal for making ahead and having a delicious meal ready to go for the next few days. Plus, it freezes well for later!

Family-Friendly:

From picky eaters to food lovers, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. The cheesy tortellini and meaty soup base are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

This soup comes together with simple ingredients that are perfect for a cozy meal at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef:

The base of the soup is hearty, flavorful ground beef that cooks up nice and tender in the slow cooker. It adds richness and substance to the soup.

Onion and Garlic:

These aromatic ingredients are a must for building a flavorful foundation for the soup. They infuse the dish with a savory depth that makes it irresistible.

Crushed Tomatoes:

The crushed tomatoes give the soup its rich, smooth base. They bring that tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and tortellini.

Beef Broth:

Beef broth adds extra richness and depth to the soup. It helps make the soup silky and smooth, while enhancing the savory flavors.

Tortellini:

Cheese-filled tortellini is the star of this soup. As it cooks in the broth, it becomes perfectly tender and soaks up all the delicious flavors. You can use frozen or fresh tortellini, depending on what you have on hand.

Italian Seasoning:

A blend of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme brings that classic Italian flavor to the soup. It’s the perfect seasoning to complement the tomatoes and beef.

Heavy Cream:

For a velvety smooth, creamy texture, heavy cream is the way to go. It takes the soup from good to great, adding richness and a lovely mouthfeel.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the most comforting soup ever? Follow these easy steps:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Then, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:

Once the beef is cooked and the onions and garlic are softened, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Let It Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld and the beef to get perfectly tender.

4. Add the Tortellini:

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini. If you’re using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw it first—just toss it in. Give it a gentle stir and let it cook for the last half hour until it’s tender.

5. Stir in the Cream:

Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream for a luscious, creamy finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if you’d like, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 24g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (or 2 hours 10 minutes on high)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

With Fresh Bread:

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread to help soak up all the flavorful broth. A warm loaf of French bread or garlic bread would be perfect!

With a Salad:

Pair it with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would offer a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

With Parmesan:

Top your bowl of soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra hit of flavor. A few basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil wouldn’t hurt either!

As Leftovers:

This soup makes amazing leftovers. The flavors continue to develop overnight, and it reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini:

Both fresh and frozen tortellini work well in this soup. If you’re using frozen tortellini, don’t worry about thawing it first—just add it directly to the slow cooker.

Make It Spicy:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup or stir in some hot sauce to kick up the spice level.

Skip the Ground Beef:

If you prefer a lighter version, you can leave out the beef and add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Make It Ahead:

This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker and store it in the fridge overnight. Then, just start the slow cooker when you’re ready to eat.

Freeze Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, this soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

A1: Yes! You can substitute tortellini with another pasta, like cheese ravioli or even regular pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the pasta you choose.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

Q3: How can I make this soup dairy-free?

A3: You can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream or coconut milk. Also, make sure the tortellini you use is dairy-free or opt for a vegetable version.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to the soup?

A4: Absolutely! You can add veggies like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them during the last hour of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook.

Q5: How long does this soup last in the fridge?

A5: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q6: Can I freeze this soup?

A6: Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q7: Can I make this soup spicier?

A7: Yes! You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeños for a little extra heat.

Q8: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A8: Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It will still provide the meaty texture and flavor but with a leaner option.

Q9: Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead?

A9: Yes, you can! Brown the beef in a pot, add the other ingredients, and simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the flavors meld together and the tortellini is cooked.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?

A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is the perfect dish for busy days when you want something that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s comforting, hearty, and so satisfying, making it a great option for families, meal prepping, or just a cozy night in. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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