Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. The rich, creamy tomato broth is packed with savory ground beef, tender tortellini, and seasoned to perfection. Set it and forget it in the slow cooker, and enjoy a warm, filling meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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, 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.
- Add tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and continue to cook on low for 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Finish the soup: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it 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.
Notes
- Tortellini options: You can use any type of tortellini—cheese, spinach, or even meat-filled. Use frozen or refrigerated tortellini as preferred.
- Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Freezer-friendly: This soup can be made ahead and frozen. To freeze, store the soup without the cream, and add the cream when reheating.
- For a thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the tomatoes or blend a portion of the soup before adding the tortellini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg