Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini

Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini Recipe


Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini Recipe. Dive into the simple joy of making Italian Tortellini, a cozy meal that’s all about bringing together hearty ingredients without any fuss.

This dish stars a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, combined with the rich flavors of marinara sauce, ripe tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms.

It’s all about letting these components simmer together in a slow cooker, melding into a savory sauce that perfectly complements the cheese-filled tortellini.

Topping it off, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Cheddar cheese melts into gooey perfection, creating a comforting meal that’s ideal for any day of the week.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner solution, this recipe promises satisfaction with minimal effort.

If you’d like some helpful Tips and Tricks, I have them below the recipe.

Closeup of Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini.

Tips and Tricks

Meat Preparation

Make sure to thoroughly drain the grease after cooking the ground beef and sausage. This will prevent the dish from becoming too greasy and will enhance the overall flavor.

Sauce Enhancement

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds depth to the sauce and complements the meats well.

Cheese Melting

For a perfectly melted and golden cheese topping, switch the slow cooker to high for the last few minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Tortellini Texture

If you prefer your tortellini with a firmer texture, cook it separately according to the package instructions and add it to the slow cooker just before serving. This prevents overcooking.

Extra Veggies

Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the slow cooker. They’ll cook down nicely and add more nutrition and flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Related Recipes


Quick And Easy Balsamic Cheese Tortellini

Italian Macaroni And Cheese

Italian Pepperoni Pizza Casserole



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Need to upgrade your kitchen organization? Check out these Pantry Organization Canisters



Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini on a white plate.



If you need to change the amount of servings the recipe will make, click on the number of servings in the section under the “Print Recipe” bar, and move the slider up or down to change the number of servings you want.

Or to double or triple the recipe, click on the 2x or 3x next to “Ingredients”.

Closeup of Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini.

Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini

Nesting Lane Indulge
Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini Recipe with ground beef. An easy Crock Pot Italian dinner that's easy and delicious.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours 25 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (16 ounce) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) Italian-style diced tomatoes,
  • 1 can (4.5 ounce) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 package (9 ounce) refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook and stir the ground beef and Italian sausage in the skillet until they are crumbly and browned, which should take about 10 minutes.
  • Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
  • In a slow cooker, add the browned meats, marinara sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours.
  • After that time, add the tortellini to the slow cooker with the meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle both mozzarella and Cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Cover the slow cooker again and cook on Low until the tortellini is tender, which will be about 15 more minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 27gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 1185mgPotassium: 531mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 280mg
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think!Mention @nestinglaneindulge or tag #nestinglaneindulge!

Tips and Tricks

Brown the Meat with Flair: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of red pepper flakes while browning the meats. This will infuse them with more flavor right from the start.

Drain Fat Effectively: After browning the meat, place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb extra grease more effectively than just draining.

Layer the Flavors: Instead of just dumping all the ingredients in the slow cooker, layer them. Start with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom, then add your browned meat, followed by the mushrooms, and finally the diced tomatoes. This can help distribute flavors more evenly.

Deglaze the Skillet: After removing the meat, deglaze the skillet with a little bit of red wine or beef broth. Scrape up any bits stuck to the pan and pour this flavorful liquid into the slow cooker. It adds an extra dimension to the sauce.

Adding Herbs: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme to the slow cooker. If you have fresh herbs, even better—throw in a few sprigs of thyme or basil about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.

Cheese Matters: For a creamier, gooier result, mix half the shredded cheeses into the sauce when you add the tortellini, reserving the other half to sprinkle on top. This allows the cheese to melt through the dish, giving every bite a cheesy goodness.

Check the Tortellini Early: Depending on your slow cooker, the tortellini might cook quicker than expected. Check it at about 10 minutes to avoid it getting too mushy.

Add a Crunch: To add a bit of texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before serving.

Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and a crusty piece of garlic bread to sop up any remaining sauce.

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Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini Recipe graphic.
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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