Easy Delicious Crockpot Tortellini
Ingredients:
- 36 oz bag frozen tortellini (cheese, meat, or vegetable – choose your favorite!): Using frozen tortellini is key because it holds up well during slow cooking, ensuring that the pasta doesn’t overcook or become mushy. If you use fresh tortellini, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- 16 oz jar Alfredo sauce: You can use any brand of Alfredo sauce, or even make homemade Alfredo sauce if you prefer. The Alfredo sauce provides a rich, creamy base that complements the tanginess of the marinara sauce.
- 24 oz jar traditional pasta sauce (marinara or tomato-based sauce): The pasta sauce balances out the richness of the Alfredo sauce with its bright tomato flavor. If you like a bit of spice, choose a marinara with chili flakes or add your own red pepper flakes.
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The cream cheese adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce, making it extra creamy and indulgent.
- 1 lb ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The ground beef adds depth of flavor, but you can also use Italian sausage for a richer, spicier flavor.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch to the dish. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives a better depth of flavor.
- Optional: 1 onion, finely chopped: Adding onion to the beef while cooking gives an extra layer of savory flavor. If you like a bit of sweetness, consider using a red onion.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh shredded mozzarella will melt beautifully over the top, adding a gooey, cheesy layer. You can use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Sprinkle over the top just before serving for a burst of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a bit of heat. If you prefer a mild version, skip them, or add them to taste.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and add the 1 lb ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Add Garlic: Once the beef is mostly browned, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This infuses the beef with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Optional Onion: If you like onions in your sauce, now is the time to add 1 chopped onion to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease from the beef mixture.
- Assemble the Crockpot:
- Add the Beef to the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked ground beef (and onions, if using) into your slow cooker.
- Add the Tortellini: Pour the 36 oz frozen tortellini directly into the crockpot. No need to thaw it first, as it will cook perfectly while absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
- Add the Sauces: Pour in the 16 oz jar Alfredo sauce and the 24 oz jar pasta sauce. Stir everything together to combine. You can adjust the amounts of each sauce depending on your desired creaminess or tanginess. For more creaminess, add extra Alfredo sauce; for a more tomato-forward flavor, add more marinara.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Cube the 8 oz block of cream cheese and drop it into the crockpot. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cream cheese will melt and create a creamy texture for the sauce.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Set the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If you are using a slow cooker with a very hot setting, check after 2 hours to make sure the tortellini doesn’t overcook.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the contents once or twice during the cooking process to ensure that the tortellini cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
- Serve:
- Garnish with Cheese: After the cooking time is done, stir the dish one more time and check if the tortellini is cooked to your liking. Then, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top, letting the heat from the dish melt the cheese. For an extra cheesy bite, you can even sprinkle additional mozzarella just before serving.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top of the dish. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your Crockpot Tortellini with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. This dish is incredibly creamy and comforting, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Additional Tips & Variations:
- Tortellini Options: You can use cheese-filled tortellini, meat-filled tortellini, or vegetable-filled tortellini, depending on your preferences. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different types of tortellini.
- Freezing: If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked dish (without cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little extra cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re making this dish vegetarian, you can skip the ground beef and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the garlic and add them to the crockpot.
- Slow Cooker Size: This recipe works well in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the ingredient amounts or cook time slightly.
This Easy Delicious Crockpot Tortellini recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, creamy, and flavorful. It’s a simple recipe with a lot of flavor, and you can make it your own by customizing the sauces, proteins, and garnishes to suit your preferences! Enjoy!