Introduction to Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to wrap you in comfort. My Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is just that—a delightful hug in a bowl! This recipe is perfect for busy moms and professionals like us, offering a quick solution for hectic weeknights. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you can impress your loved ones with a hearty meal that fills the home with irresistible aromas. Trust me, this soup will become a cherished favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
This Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is a game-changer for busy days. It’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time. The rich, savory flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul. Plus, it’s a hit with picky eaters, making mealtime a breeze. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: This is the heart of the soup, providing a rich flavor and protein. You can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Onion: A medium onion, chopped, adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic bring a fragrant aroma and enhance the overall taste.
- Crushed tomatoes: A 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the soup, giving it that comforting tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Four cups of beef broth add richness. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
- Water: Two cups of water help balance the flavors and create the perfect soup consistency.
- Italian seasoning: One teaspoon of this blend infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall taste.
- Salt and black pepper: These seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors in the soup.
- Cheese tortellini: Two cups of cheese tortellini add a delightful texture and cheesy goodness.
- Heavy cream: A cup of heavy cream makes the soup luxuriously creamy and comforting.
- Fresh spinach: Two cups of fresh spinach add a pop of color and nutrition. You can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
- Fresh basil: Optional for garnish, it adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional for serving, it enhances the flavor with a salty, nutty finish.
For exact quantities, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious soup. Each step is simple, making it easy for anyone to follow along. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Then, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. This step adds a rich flavor that sets the stage for our cozy soup.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. The aroma will make your kitchen feel like a warm Italian trattoria! Once they’re ready, add them to the slow cooker with the beef. This little trick enhances the flavor profile of your soup.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Add the Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, creating a rich and savory base.
Step 4: Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. If you’re busy, this is the perfect time to tackle other tasks or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation!
Step 5: Add Tortellini
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the cheese tortellini. This is when the magic happens! The tortellini will soak up all those delicious flavors while cooking to perfection. Just give it a gentle stir and let it continue cooking on high.
Step 6: Cream it Up
Once the tortellini is tender, it’s time to add the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Stir them in and let the soup cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cream will make it luxuriously rich, while the spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. You’ll be amazed at how comforting this soup becomes!
Step 7: Serve
When it’s time to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a delightful finishing touch. Your Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is now ready to be enjoyed. Gather your loved ones and dig in!
Tips for Success
- Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic; it enhances the taste.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference; taste as you go!
- For a thicker soup, add more tortellini or reduce the liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker: Essential for this recipe; a 6-quart model works great.
- Skillet: Use a non-stick skillet for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- Spatula: Handy for breaking up the beef and stirring ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that warms you up!
- Extra Veggies: Toss in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a fragrant boost.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light contrast.
- Wine: Enjoy with a glass of red wine, like Chianti, to complement the flavors.
- Presentation: Serve in rustic bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for a beautiful touch.
FAQs about Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef. Just add it in the same way as fresh tortellini, and it will cook beautifully.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious meatless option.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a warm meal waiting for you by dinner time.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finishing touch!
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace after a long day. The rich flavors and creamy texture create a comforting experience that brings families together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with friends, this soup is sure to delight. I hope it becomes a staple in your home, just as it has in mine. So grab your slow cooker, and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to wrap you in comfort. My Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is just that—a delightful hug in a bowl! This recipe is perfect for busy moms and professionals like us, offering a quick solution for hectic weeknights. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you can impress your loved ones with a hearty meal that fills the home with irresistible aromas. Trust me, this soup will become a cherished favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Add these to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 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 high.
- Cream it Up: Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
