Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

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### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Brown the Ground Beef:**
– Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink, about **5-7 minutes**. Drain any excess fat.
– Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional **2-3 minutes**, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step adds a depth of flavor to the soup.

#### **2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:**
– Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it to the bowl of your slow cooker.
– Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir in the Italian seasoning, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

#### **3. Let it Simmer:**
– Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low heat for 6-7 hours** or **high heat for 3-4 hours**. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. You can even leave it on warm for an hour or so if you’re not quite ready to serve.

#### **4. Add the Tortellini:**
– About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the tortellini to the slow cooker. If you’re using refrigerated tortellini, it will cook relatively quickly—about **20-25 minutes**. If you’re using frozen tortellini, you may need to cook it for **5-10 minutes longer**. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta is evenly cooked.

#### **5. Finish with Cream:**
– Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the soup. Let the soup cook for an additional **5 minutes** until the cream is well incorporated, and the soup is heated through.

#### **6. Garnish and Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy finish, if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
– Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth!

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### **Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup:**

1. **Comforting and Hearty**: This soup is the perfect balance of rich tomato flavor, savory beef, and soft tortellini. It’s filling enough to be a complete meal on its own, yet light enough to be enjoyed any time of the year.

2. **Set-It-and-Forget-It**: The slow cooker does all the work for you! Just add the ingredients, set the timer, and go about your day. When you come back, a warm, flavorful meal is waiting for you with minimal effort.

3. **Customizable**: You can easily adapt this soup to fit your tastes. Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also try different types of tortellini, like spinach or mushroom, for a new twist.

4. **Perfect for Leftovers**: This soup makes great leftovers! The flavors intensify even more the next day, and it’s just as delicious reheated for lunch or dinner. Plus, the tortellini soaks up the broth, making it even more flavorful over time.

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### **Tips for the Best Tomato Tortellini Soup:**

– **Use a Quality Broth**: The broth is the base of your soup, so make sure to use a good-quality beef broth (or chicken broth). If you have homemade broth on hand, even better!
– **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini**: Keep an eye on the tortellini as it cooks in the slow cooker. Overcooking it can cause it to become mushy. Add it in closer to the end of the cooking time, and check for doneness.
– **Make It a Meal**: This soup is great on its own, but if you’re looking for a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort dinner.
– **Add More Spice**: For those who like a little kick, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for extra heat.

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### **Conclusion:**

This **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** is the definition of comfort food in a bowl. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home. With its easy preparation, minimal effort, and amazing taste, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a gathering, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Grab your slow cooker, and let the magic begin!