If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of savory ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and tender cheese-filled tortellini simmered slowly to perfection. This soup brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful and is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your absolute favorites for cozy, soul-nourishing meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but come together wonderfully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup shine. Each one plays a vital role in balancing the hearty and creamy elements of the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and protein, making the soup filling and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic base that enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of fragrant and savory notes essential for a robust taste.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Gives the soup a vibrant color and tangy tomato goodness.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth tomato flavor and thickens the broth beautifully.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup, enriching it with meaty undertones.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that add warmth and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a slightly sweet and peppery flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a light kick of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Introduces delightful pockets of creamy cheese, making the soup uniquely satisfying.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup a luscious, velvety texture and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together perfectly.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pretty pop of green when served.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Breaking it apart with your spoon helps it cook evenly. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy, then transfer the savory beef into your slow cooker. This step builds a rich foundation for your soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic next and continue cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant — this brief sautéing really unlocks their delicious aromas. Then, scrape this mixture straight into the slow cooker with the beef so all those savory bits join the party.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Now it’s time to add the heart and soul of the soup: crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and those optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then give everything a good stir so the flavors meld together. This ready-to-cook mixture is where the magic truly begins.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover your slow cooker and let it do the work either on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, tenderizing the beef and melding the tomatoes into a rich, hearty broth that smells like a warm hug.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Tortellini
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini, giving them enough time to cook and become perfectly tender. Cooking them in the soup absorbs those delicious tomato-beef flavors, making every bite burst with comfort and cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream and Adjust Seasoning
Once the tortellini are just right, add the heavy cream and let the soup warm through for another 5 minutes. This addition makes the broth luxuriously creamy, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes while giving the soup an irresistible velvety finish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into your favorite bowls, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it warm, and get ready to fall in love with the soul-soothing flavor of this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are perfect for brightening the hearty flavors and adding a lovely green contrast to the warm red soup. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese also works wonders if you want to take it up a notch, offering a salty kick.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or warm garlic breadsticks complement this soup beautifully by soaking up every last drop of that creamy tomato broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette brings balance, freshness, and a crunchy texture to the meal, rounding out your dining experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an instant conversation starter and an edible vessel. Or layer individual servings with some crushed red pepper flakes and a swirl of cream on top for a restaurant-inspired touch that will impress guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making your leftovers even more enjoyable.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but be aware that the tortellini may become a bit softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini, then cook fresh tortellini to add when reheating. Store frozen soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup without tortellini, add fresh cooked tortellini just before serving to keep the perfect texture and avoid mushiness. Adjust seasonings as needed to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option, but be sure to brown it thoroughly and season well for the best flavor in your Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding mushrooms or lentils can provide added texture and protein, creating a satisfying vegetarian version.
What type of tortellini is best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini works best as it holds up well during slow cooking and adds a creamy, cheesy element to the soup. Avoid dried tortellini as it may overcook or become too soft.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat?
The red pepper flakes add a mild touch of heat, but they are completely optional. Feel free to skip them or increase the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this soup on the stove by following the same steps, simmering everything together for about an hour until the flavors develop, then adding tortellini last and cooking until tender.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s approachable, bursting with flavor, and perfect for those days when you want something warm, hearty, and fuss-free. Give it a go, and prepare to impress your family or friends with a bowl of pure comfort and love!
Print
Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any day. It combines savory ground beef, rich tomato flavors, tender cheese tortellini, and a splash of creamy heavy cream, all slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. Easy to prepare ahead and perfect for cozy dinners, this soup is bursting with Italian-inspired seasonings and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base and Broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Final Ingredients
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 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 this 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 until well combined.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to develop fully.
- Add tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated 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. Taste and adjust the 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 comforting bowl of hearty tomato tortellini soup.
Notes
- To reduce prep time, cook the ground beef and sauté onion and garlic in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind it will be less creamy.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright finishing touch but can be omitted or substituted as preferred.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3-4 days; tortellini may absorb soup liquid over time.
