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.
Related Recipes
Quick And Easy Balsamic Cheese Tortellini
Italian Macaroni And Cheese
Italian Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
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Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini
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
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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