Creamy Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Tortellini

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on LOW, plus 30–45 minutes for tortellini

• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours

• Servings: 6

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• 20 oz (565 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)

• ½ cup chopped green onions

Seasonings

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef.

3. Break it apart using a wooden spoon.

4. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned.

5. Drain excess grease.

6. Add minced garlic, black pepper, paprika and Italian seasoning.

7. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Place the cooked ground beef into your slow cooker.

2. Add the cream of mushroom soup.

3. Pour in the beef broth.

4. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning packet.

5. Stir everything until well combined.

6. Cover with the slow cooker lid.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef Mixture

1. Set the slow cooker to LOW.

2. Cook for approximately 3–4 hours.

3. Stir occasionally if convenient.

4. Allow the beef to become tender and the sauce to develop a rich, savory flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Tortellini

1. Open the slow cooker.

2. Add refrigerated cheese tortellini.

3. Stir gently to coat the pasta with the creamy beef sauce.

4. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 30–45 minutes.

5. Check the tortellini after 25 minutes.

6. Cook until tender but not mushy.

Cooking time may vary depending on the tortellini brand and size.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the tortellini.

2. Add cheddar cheese if desired.

3. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the creamy sauce.

4. Add frozen peas if using and cook until heated through.

5. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Turn off the slow cooker.

2. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

3. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.

4. Add a little extra shredded mozzarella if desired.

5. Serve warm while the cheese is deliciously melted.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings. Actual values depend on brands and ingredients.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergy Information: Contains dairy, wheat/gluten and potentially soy. Check labels of ranch seasoning, soup, broth and tortellini for allergens and possible nut cross-contact.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Brown the beef first: This gives the dish a deeper, richer flavor.

2. Avoid mushy pasta: Add tortellini near the end rather than cooking it for the entire slow-cooking time.

3. Extra creamy: Add 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese.

4. Extra cheesy: Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar.

5. Adjust thickness: Add a little warm beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

6. More vegetables: Add peas, spinach or mushrooms.

7. Season carefully: Ranch seasoning and canned soup already contain salt.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Add a splash of milk or beef broth when reheating.

• Avoid freezing after adding tortellini because its texture may change.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious creamy tortellini with:

• Garlic bread

• Fresh garden salad

• Roasted broccoli

• Steamed green beans

• Garlic Parmesan breadsticks

• Fresh cucumber salad

Final Result

Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy beef and cheese tortellini with juicy seasoned ground beef, soft cheese-filled pasta and a rich ranch-infused sauce. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, savory and incredibly satisfying!

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners and cozy comfort-food meals.