Crockpot Tortellini with Cream Cheese & Ground Beef

This crockpot meal is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty ingredients. The slow-cooked tortellini absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the tomatoes, chicken stock, and cream cheese, while the ground beef adds protein and a savory base. It’s an easy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers rich, comforting results!

Ingredients

1 bag frozen tortellini (16-20 oz; you can use cheese or meat-filled tortellini depending on your preference)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained; you can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier flavor)

1 box chicken stock (4 cups; if you prefer a richer broth, you can use a combination of chicken stock and a bit of heavy cream)
2 blocks cream cheese (8 oz each, softened; this gives the dish its creamy, velvety texture)
1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety)

2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 ½ cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained; you can also use kale for a different texture and flavor)
Seasonings to taste:
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Onion powder (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Italian seasoning (1-2 tsp; optional but adds depth)
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Prepare the meat by browning it in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Season the beef with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning (optional). Once browned, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.

Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set it aside. This will help prevent overcooking the meat in the crockpot, and it gives you a chance to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Set Up the Crockpot

Add the frozen tortellini to the bottom of the crockpot. There’s no need to thaw it first—just toss it in!
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. The juices will help create the base of the sauce, and the tomatoes add a nice acidity that balances the creaminess.

Add the chicken stock. This will be your main liquid and will help create a soupy, flavorful sauce. You can add a splash of white wine or a small amount of heavy cream to enhance the richness if desired.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes. This helps it melt more evenly and quickly as the crockpot cooks.
Add the cream cheese cubes to the crockpot with the tortellini and tomatoes. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fully mix right away; the slow cook will help it incorporate later.

Step 4: Add the Cooked Ground Beef and Spinach

Add the browned ground beef to the crockpot, making sure it’s evenly distributed over the tortellini and tomatoes.
Toss in the spinach—whether fresh or frozen, spinach will cook down beautifully and add a burst of color and nutrients. Fresh spinach can be added directly, but frozen spinach should be thawed and drained of any excess liquid to prevent watering down the dish.

Step 5: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. During the last hour, give the dish a good stir. The cream cheese will have melted and created a creamy base for the soup, and the tortellini should be fully cooked.

Check for consistency. If you find the sauce too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or a splash of water to adjust to your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Stir well once the dish is done. The cream cheese should have completely melted into the broth, creating a rich, velvety texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Serve this comforting dish in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Optional Variations and Tips

Protein Swap: You can use other meats, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor. If using sausage, you may not need as much seasoning, as sausage tends to be more flavorful on its own.
Cheese Additions: If you love cheesy dishes, you can stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra cheesiness.

Vegetable Additions: Try adding other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition. These can be added in step 2 with the tortellini and tomatoes.
Spices & Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil to the crockpot for an extra herby flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also add brightness to balance the richness of the cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as-is for a creamy, comforting meal. If you want to add some crunch or extra flavor, you can serve it with garlic bread, crispy croutons, or a fresh side salad.

If you’re looking for a complete meal, pair it with a light vegetable side or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Minimal Prep: Aside from browning the meat, the rest of the meal simply involves adding ingredients to the crockpot.
Hearty & Comforting: The combination of creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender tortellini is an irresistible comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to your family’s preferences—use different proteins, vegetables, and spices to make it your own.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory Crockpot Tortellini with Ground Beef and Spinach—it’s sure to be a hit!