Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini Recipe is an easy and indulgent meal that brings cozy flavors of fall together with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 oz cheese tortellini: refrigerated, fresh pasta for ultimate flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: browned for a robust base.
- 24 oz marinara sauce: choose your favorite brand.
- 15 oz diced tomatoes: drained for a slight acidity balance.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: creamy and melty goodness.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: adds savory richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: to make it luxuriously creamy.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: for aromatic depth.
- 1 tsp onion powder: for flavor enhancement.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped for garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your utensil. Brown the meat completely until no pink remains, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat in the pan to keep the dish light and avoid greasiness.
- Transfer the cooked meat into your slow cooker. Next, pour in the marinara sauce and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the meat is evenly coated and the ingredients are fully combined, creating a flavorful base for your tortellini dish.
- Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the cheese tortellini! Carefully place the tortellini into the slow cooker and gently stir to cover them nicely with the sauce mixture. To elevate the taste profile, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top and mix again lightly.
- Drizzle the heavy cream over the tortellini and sauce. This step is crucial as the cream will create that deliciously velvety texture that makes this dish so inviting. Engage in a gentle mix to combine everything, ensuring the creamy essence is spread throughout the dish.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for approximately 4 hours without lifting the lid or stirring too frequently. It’s best to let the slow cooker work its magic uninterrupted; this ensures all the flavors meld beautifully.
- When you’re approaching the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Immediately cover it again and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. This final step transforms the dish into a delightful cheesy masterpiece.
- Once the cooking time is up and all is bubbly, give your tortellini a gentle stir to mix in the melted cheese. If desired, garnish the dish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm and watch everyone enjoy this sumptuous meal!
Notes
This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers. If you want a thicker sauce, you can stir in some cream cheese during the last hour of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Protein: 25 g