There’s something about a hearty bowl of soup that just feels like a hug on a chilly day, right? This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is one of those recipes that fills your home with the kind of smells that make you want to linger in the kitchen just a little longer. It’s cozy, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
You can enjoy this soup as a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even as a meal for a cozy weekend gathering. It’s perfect for any time of the day.
Budget-Friendly:
With simple ingredients that don’t break the bank, this recipe delivers big on flavor without costing you a fortune. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Quick and Easy:
Set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker do all the hard work for you. The result? A rich, flavorful soup that tastes like you spent hours on it. But really, it’s that easy!
Customizable:
Add some extra veggies or swap out the ground beef for chicken or turkey. This recipe can be tweaked to suit your taste or what you have on hand in the pantry.
Crowd-Pleasing:
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this soup: it’s made with a few simple ingredients, but the combination of flavors creates a dish that’s anything but ordinary. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef:
The base of this soup, ground beef brings that savory, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich tomato broth. Plus, it adds a lovely, meaty texture.
Tortellini:
These little pockets of cheesy goodness are the perfect addition to the soup. They absorb all the delicious flavors, making each bite a satisfying mouthful.
Tomatoes:
The juicy, tangy tomatoes give this soup that classic, comforting base. They cook down into a velvety broth that’s both rich and smooth.
Onion and Garlic:
The duo of onion and garlic creates that aromatic foundation that really makes the soup come to life. The sweet and savory notes they add will have your taste buds dancing.
Italian Seasoning:
A sprinkle of Italian seasoning rounds out the flavor profile with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, creating that authentic, Italian-inspired taste.
Broth:
Chicken or beef broth adds depth and richness to the soup, making it a comforting, full-bodied dish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. This helps develop those delicious, savory flavors and makes your soup extra rich. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat.
Add Aromatics:
In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and soft. This brings out all the best flavors.
Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the browned beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning to your slow cooker. Stir everything together so that all the flavors start to mingle.
Add the Tortellini:
Once everything is combined, add the tortellini to the slow cooker. It will soak up all that delicious tomato broth and become tender, creating a heartwarming dish.
Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high. The long cook time allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
Stir and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, give the soup a good stir to make sure the tortellini is evenly distributed. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6 Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A side of garlic bread: The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread is the perfect complement to the rich soup.
- A simple green salad: Light and refreshing, a salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the hearty soup.
- A sprinkle of fresh basil: For an extra pop of flavor and color, a few fresh basil leaves on top of your soup is a game-changer.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For a creamier soup, you can stir in a little bit of heavy cream or milk towards the end of the cooking time.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the ground beef and aromatics on the stovetop, then combine everything in the slow cooker for a quicker cook time.
- Feel free to add any extra veggies you have on hand, like spinach or zucchini, to make it even more nutritious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add it to the slow cooker directly from the freezer.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
What other meat can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Yes! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this soup spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to kick up the heat.
Do I need to cook the tortellini before adding it to the slow cooker?
Nope! The tortellini will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Just simmer it on the stovetop until everything is cooked through and the tortellini is tender.
How can I make this soup thicker?
You can mash some of the tortellini with a spoon or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I add cheese to the soup?
Yes! Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a culinary genius with minimal effort. The comforting, flavorful soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
Print
Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful soup combining tender ground beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for a comforting meal on a busy day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce/794g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9-ounce/255g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
-
Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Add Tortellini:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Cover and continue cooking on low until the tortellini are tender.
-
Finish the Soup:
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the soup is creamy and the cheese is melted.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot
Notes
- Meat Options: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.
- Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding additional broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1,200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg