Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

### Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to understand the key ingredients that make this soup so flavorful and comforting. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. **Ground Beef**: Ground beef is the protein base for this soup, adding richness and flavor. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier version, or full-fat ground beef for a more decadent flavor. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance its flavor and ensure that it doesn’t release excess grease into the soup.

2. **Canned Tomatoes**: Tomatoes are the star of this soup, forming the base of the broth. You’ll need canned **diced tomatoes** and **tomato paste** to create the deep tomato flavor. If you prefer, you can use fresh tomatoes, but canned varieties are more convenient and yield a richer flavor.

3. **Broth**: You’ll need **beef broth** or **chicken broth** for the soup’s liquid base. Beef broth adds a deeper, richer flavor, but you can opt for chicken broth if you prefer a lighter taste.

4. **Tortellini**: Fresh or frozen **cheese tortellini** is typically used in this soup. The cheesy filling of the tortellini complements the tomato broth beautifully, creating a comforting, satisfying texture.

5. **Garlic and Onion**: These aromatics add depth and savory flavor to the soup. They form the base of the flavor profile and help enhance the richness of the broth.

6. **Herbs and Spices**: A combination of **oregano**, **basil**, **thyme**, and **bay leaves** creates the traditional Italian flavor that pairs so well with tomatoes and beef. Salt and pepper are also necessary to season the soup to taste.

7. **Heavy Cream or Milk**: To make the soup creamy and comforting, **heavy cream** or **milk** is added towards the end of cooking. This step is optional, but it gives the soup a velvety texture and a bit of richness.

8. **Parmesan Cheese**: For extra flavor, grated **Parmesan cheese** can be sprinkled on top of the soup before serving. This enhances the dish’s savory depth and adds an extra layer of umami.

### Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

Making **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** is incredibly easy and only requires a few simple steps. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:
– **1 lb ground beef**
– **1 medium onion**, chopped
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes**, undrained
– **1 can (6 oz) tomato paste**
– **4 cups beef broth** (or chicken broth)
– **1 tablespoon dried basil**
– **1 tablespoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1 bay leaf**
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **12 oz cheese tortellini** (fresh or frozen)
– **1 cup heavy cream** or **milk**
– **Grated Parmesan cheese** (for serving, optional)

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