On a crisp autumn evening, nothing beats the warmth of a slow cooker filled with a rich, comforting soup. This easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal. Your family will gather around the table eagerly.
Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of Italian flavors in your kitchen. This soup is more than a meal; it’s a culinary hug. It combines tender ground beef, cheesy tortellini, and a velvety tomato broth. Every spoonful promises comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Perfect one-pot meal for busy families
- Minimal prep time with maximum flavor
- Nutritious and satisfying dinner option
- Versatile recipe that can be customized
- Freezer-friendly for convenient meal planning
Why This Tomato Tortellini Soup is Perfect for Your Family
A warm, cozy kitchen scene depicting a family gathered around a rustic wooden table, enjoying bowls of steaming tomato tortellini soup with ground beef. Bright colors from the soup contrast with the earthy tones of the kitchen. Soft lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, showcasing family members smiling and sharing, with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and herbs artfully arranged nearby.
Discover the ultimate comfort food that turns your family dinner into a delightful italian cuisine experience. This slow cooker tomato tortellini soup is more than a meal. It’s a solution for busy households looking for delicious and nutritious dinner options.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Creating a memorable family dinner doesn’t have to be expensive. This recipe is full of flavor but won’t empty your wallet. With affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortellini, and simple pantry staples, you can feed a family of 6 for under $15.
- Serves 6 people
- Total cost: Approximately $14.50
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 32 minutes
Kid-Approved Comfort Food
Picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy soup. The mix of tender tortellini and rich tomato base is a hit with kids. Nutritional bonus: Each serving has 29g of protein and essential vitamins.
| Nutritional Highlights | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 356 kcal |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
Time-Saving Meal Solution
Busy families will love this slow cooker recipe. It needs only 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll have a hearty meal ready in under an hour. Choose between high (3-4 hours) or low (6-8 hours) cooking settings to fit your schedule.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment
Starting a delicious crockpot cooking journey means getting the right stuff. You’ll need to pick out the best ingredients and tools for your Tomato Tortellini Soup. This will make your meal prep a breeze.
A visually appealing arrangement of a slow cooker filled with a hearty tomato tortellini soup, surrounded by fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, leafy basil, chopped onions, minced garlic, and uncooked beef. Include tortellini pasta, vegetable broth, and spices such as oregano and black pepper. Emphasize a rustic kitchen backdrop with wooden utensils and a cozy atmosphere.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Italian sausage (1 pound)
- Chicken broth (32 ounces)
- Diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
- Condensed tomato soup (10.75 ounces)
- Boursin or cream cheese (5.2 ounces)
- Cheese tortellini (18 ounces)
- Frozen chopped spinach (5 ounces)
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Large slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
For great meal prep, use fresh, top-notch ingredients. The right tools make crockpot cooking easy and fun.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Italian Sausage | 1 pound | Protein base |
| Chicken Broth | 32 ounces | Liquid foundation |
| Cheese Tortellini | 18 ounces | Pasta component |
Pro tip: Check your pantry before shopping to avoid buying duplicate ingredients and streamline your meal prep process.
Preparing the Ground Beef Base
Making a tasty beef stew foundation is key for your tomato tortellini soup. The ground beef is the main protein, adding flavor and nutrition.
Begin with 1 pound of lean ground beef. Good browning techniques can make the soup taste better and feel more satisfying.
Mastering Beef Browning
To get perfect browning, follow these steps:
- Use a medium-high heat skillet
- Break meat into small crumbles while cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the pan
- Cook until no pink remains
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Boost your beef stew base with the right seasonings:
| Seasoning | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances natural beef flavor |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | Adds subtle heat |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | Provides depth |
| Italian Herbs | 1 tbsp | Introduces classic Italian cuisine notes |
Proper Draining and Handling
After browning, drain excess fat with a colander. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove more grease. This keeps your beef stew tasty without being too greasy.
Pro tip: Save a small amount of beef fat for extra flavor in your soup base.
Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making your slow cooker tomato tortellini soup with ground beef is easy and tasty. Just follow these simple steps to make a meal your family will enjoy.
Begin by getting your ground beef ready. Use 80% lean and 20% fat beef for the best taste. Brown the meat well in a skillet and drain the extra fat with a slotted spoon.
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef in a skillet
- Drain excess fat completely
- Transfer meat to your 7-quart crockpot
- Add 1 cup frozen onions and peppers
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic and incorporate
Then, make your soup base by adding these ingredients to the crockpot:
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce
- Sliced carrots
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Garlic salt and pepper to taste
| Cooking Setting | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Low Heat | 4-6 hours |
| High Heat | 4 hours |
In the last 30 minutes, add a 19-ounce bag of frozen cheese tortellini. Stir gently to mix well and heat evenly. Your slow cooker tomato tortellini soup with ground beef is now ready to serve!
The Perfect Timing: Slow Cooking Schedule
Crockpot cooking makes pasta soup easy to make. Knowing the right cooking times and temperatures is key. It helps create a meal your family will enjoy.
Temperature Settings for Optimal Results
When making pasta soup, you have two main slow cooker temperature options:
- Low Setting: Cook for 4 to 6 hours
- High Setting: Cook for 3 to 4 hours
The low setting is great for slow flavor development. The high setting is perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Timing for Adding Tortellini
Adding tortellini at the right time is crucial. Add it in the last 30 minutes to keep it al dente. This way, it stays tender but not mushy, soaking up the soup’s flavors.
Pro Tips for Crockpot Cooking
- Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly
- Keep the lid on to maintain consistent temperature
- Check pasta tenderness before serving
Remember, your slow cooker might vary. Always check your soup and adjust cooking times for the best pasta soup.
Customizing Your Soup with Fresh Vegetables
Make your meal prep better by adding fresh veggies to your slow cooker tomato tortellini soup. Italian cooking is all about using fresh, healthy ingredients. These ingredients make a simple dish into something amazing.
Think about these veggies to add to your soup:
- Spinach: Add just before serving for a fresh, tender touch
- Kale: A heartier green that can withstand longer cooking times
- Zucchini: Adds subtle sweetness and extra nutrition
- Bell peppers: Brings color and mild flavor
Knowing how long to cook veggies is key to keep them tasty and crunchy. Here’s a quick guide to help you customize your soup:
| Vegetable | Cooking Time | Best Added |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach | 1-2 minutes | Last 5 minutes |
| Kale | 4-5 minutes | Beginning of cooking |
| Zucchini | 3-4 minutes | Middle of cooking |
| Bell Peppers | 2-3 minutes | Last 10 minutes |
Adding fresh veggies makes your soup healthier and more filling. Try different veggies to find the mix that you love. This Italian-inspired dish is very versatile.
Making the Broth Rich and Creamy
To make your Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup truly special, you need a few tricks. The key to a creamy, indulgent soup is in the ingredients and how you prepare them.
Incorporating Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the magic ingredient for a silky texture. Here’s how to mix it in smoothly:
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending
- Cut cream cheese into small cubes before adding
- Stir continuously to prevent clumping
- Add cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking
Balancing Flavors and Seasonings
To deepen your soup’s flavor, start with basics like chicken bouillon cubes. They give a solid foundation. Then, try adding herbs like:
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon chives
Remember, a spoonful of sugar can help balance the tomatoes’ tartness. For even more creaminess, add evaporated milk towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Turn your Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup into a memorable family dinner. The right sides can make this comfort food a true celebration.
Your soup needs amazing sides to match its rich taste. Here are some great pairings:
- Bread Options:
- Crusty garlic bread
- Warm soft rolls
- Homemade focaccia
- Fresh Salad Companions:
- Caesar salad
- Crisp mixed green salad
- Pear and walnut salad
For drinks, you have tasty choices. A full-bodied red wine like Chianti pairs well with the tomato. Or, try sparkling water with lemon or a cool iced tea.
Make your soup look great and taste even better. Sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add chopped fresh basil or a bit of top-notch olive oil for a fancy touch.
The best family dinners are about more than just food. They’re about making memories together. So, enjoy your delicious comfort food!
Storage Tips and Reheating Instructions
Keeping your slow cooker tomato tortellini soup fresh is key. With the right storage, your meal prep stays delicious for longer.
Efficient storage keeps your soup tasting great. Here are some tips for saving leftovers:
Refrigeration Best Practices
- Store soup in an airtight container
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Keep leftovers for up to 4 days
- Separate tortellini from broth to prevent soggy pasta
Freezing Guidelines
Freezing your soup extends its shelf life. Here’s how to freeze it right:
- Freeze soup without tortellini for up to 2 months
- Use freezer-safe containers with tight-fitting lids
- Leave space for expansion when freezing
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Reheating Recommendations
Reheat your soup to keep it fresh. Try these methods:
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each
- Add fresh tortellini when reheating to maintain pasta texture
- Consider adding a splash of broth to restore moisture
Proper storage and reheating keep your meal prep tasty. Follow these tips to enjoy your slow cooker tomato tortellini soup anytime.
Conclusion
Your journey to make the best slow cooker tomato tortellini soup with ground beef is over. But, your cooking adventures are just starting. This recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a way to make easy, healthy meals for your family that taste amazing.
This soup is very flexible. It’s perfect for busy parents or anyone wanting to impress their family. It cooks in just 45 minutes and needs little prep. You can turn simple ingredients into a delicious, healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.
Cooking is all about trying new things and adding your own twist. You can change the ingredients, add different veggies, or try new spices. Your slow cooker tomato tortellini soup can be your own special dish. It can change to fit your family’s tastes and needs, but still be delicious.
We encourage you to make this recipe your own. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy the warmth it brings to your home. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 20 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese optional, for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Add the Tortellini and Cream:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream. Cook until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Tortellini Options: Use any type of tortellini you like—cheese, spinach, or meat-filled.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate. Add tortellini and cream when reheating.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or omit it altogether, and use vegetable broth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.