If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and super easy to put together, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich tomato broth infused with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a touch of creaminess. This soup not only warms your soul but also makes for a vibrant, satisfying dinner that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or looking for your next favorite soup, this recipe is a total winner that brings together simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making your Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe truly spectacular. Each item plays a crucial role, from the hearty ground beef adding richness to the fresh spinach bringing a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the robust, meaty base flavor essential for this soup’s heartiness.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth that complements the tomato base.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a thick, flavorful tomato foundation.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Enhances the smoothness of the soup and balances acidity.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth: Amplifies the savory notes and adds liquid for the slow cooker.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends a classic herbal fragrance that brightens the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly peppery touch necessary for Italian-style soups.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors present in the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balances the richness.
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini: The star of the bowl providing delightful cheesy pockets in every bite.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Gives the soup a luscious, velvety finish.
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional): Adds freshness and a nutritional boost just before serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: A flavorful garnish that crowns the soup with a savory punch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is beautifully browned and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. This process builds the foundational flavor of the soup. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrance.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to meld those flavors, then cover the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set the slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and marry beautifully while tenderizing the beef further.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cream
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Cover again and let the tortellini cook until tender and the soup gains a creamy texture. This is when the dish transforms into a rich, filling meal.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Just before serving, fold in the baby spinach if you’re using it. The residual heat will gently wilt the leaves, adding a lovely color contrast and a fresh element to every spoonful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl right before serving to add a salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together. A few fresh basil leaves or a dash of cracked black pepper make excellent additional toppings that bring out the Italian-inspired character.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of the luscious tomato broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also provide a bright, crisp counterpoint to this rich dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy family dinner vibe or opt for smaller serving cups as appetizer portions at a casual dinner party. For an added touch of elegance, drizzle a little extra cream or olive oil on top and garnish with microgreens or fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more deeply after resting, making leftovers incredibly tasty, though the tortellini will continue to soak up liquid and become softer over time.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe freezes best without the tortellini. Store the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, reheat gently, then add fresh tortellini and cook until tender.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid breaking down the tortellini too much. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Add fresh spinach or extra cream during reheating for an extra burst of freshness and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or sausage for the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work wonderfully as alternatives and will give the soup a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Adjust seasoning accordingly if using sausage, as it’s often more seasoned.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
The heavy cream adds a luscious, rich texture and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but if you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can skip it or use a splash of milk or half-and-half instead.
Can I use frozen tortellini directly in the slow cooker?
You sure can! Just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the tortellini cooks through thoroughly without becoming mushy.
How spicy is this soup? Can I make it spicier?
This recipe is mild by default, perfect for everyone’s palate, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking or as a garnish to give it a bit of a kick.
Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this on the stovetop by simmering all the ingredients in a large pot for about 45 minutes. Add the tortellini and cream toward the end and cook until tender, but the slow cooker truly allows the flavors to develop most beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe enough for anyone who loves a comforting meal that’s rich, flavorful, and effortless to make. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
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Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (or 3 hours 15 minutes)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, combining savory ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, tender cheese tortellini, and a touch of cream for a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken nicely.
- Add tortellini and cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Cover and continue cooking until tortellini is tender, ensuring a creamy and rich texture.
- Wilt spinach: Just before serving, stir in baby spinach if using. Allow it to wilt naturally in the hot soup, adding a fresh and healthy note.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of savory flavor and a touch of elegance.
Notes
- Frozen tortellini can be used straight from the freezer—add 10 more minutes of cook time.
- Ground Italian sausage or turkey can be substituted for ground beef for different flavor profiles.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to taste.
