Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this soup packs a ton of flavor and texture while being incredibly simple to prepare. The slow cooker does most of the work, and the result is a filling, family-friendly dish that feels like something I could order at a cozy café. The cream cheese adds richness, while the tortellini soak up all the tomato-y goodness. It’s the perfect one-pot meal, especially when I want something warm and comforting on a cold day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 (32-oz) container chicken broth
1 (28-oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 (10.5-oz) cans tomato soup
2 (8-oz) containers chive and onion cream cheese spread, softened
1 (18-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini, uncooked
1 to 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain off the excess fat.

2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
   I add the cooked beef, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and Italian seasoning into the slow cooker. Then I stir in the softened chive and onion cream cheese until everything is combined.

3. Cook Low and Slow:
   I cover the slow cooker and let the soup cook on low for 4–5 hours. This gives the flavors time to meld and the base to become rich and creamy.

4. Add the Tortellini:
   About 30 minutes before I’m ready to serve, I stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Then I cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another 30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and heated through.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
   I ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. It’s perfect with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours on low
Total time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including tortellini cook time)

Variations

• I’ve swapped ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• For extra vegetables, I sometimes stir in a handful of spinach or chopped zucchini during the last 30 minutes.

• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat, which balances nicely with the creaminess of the soup.

• If I don’t have chive and onion cream cheese, I use plain cream cheese and add sautéed onions and garlic for flavor.

• For a thinner soup, I stir in a little extra broth or water toward the end of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The tortellini may absorb some of the broth overnight, so I sometimes add a splash of water or broth when reheating. I don’t recommend freezing this soup once the tortellini are added, as they can become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, I’ve used frozen tortellini. I just add them in the last 30–40 minutes of cooking without thawing.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure. I skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The tortellini and cream cheese still make it hearty and flavorful.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

I make this on the stovetop by simmering everything (except the tortellini) for about 30 minutes, then adding the tortellini and cooking until tender.

Can I use different pasta?

Tortellini makes it extra rich, but small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini can work in a pinch—just reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. I prep the soup base without the tortellini and store it in the fridge or freezer. When ready, I heat it up and add the tortellini during the final 30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is everything I want in a cold-weather comfort meal: creamy, savory, and full of hearty ingredients. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for feeding a family or keeping warm through the week. Whether I’m serving it for a casual dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is always a hit.

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