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#### Instructions:
1. **Brown the Ground Beef**: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step helps to develop rich flavors and ensures that the beef cooks evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then add the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics**: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This helps release the natural flavors from the onion and garlic. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. **Add the Tomatoes and Broth**: To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine, making sure that the tomato paste is well incorporated into the liquid.
4. **Season the Soup**: Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine.
5. **Slow Cook**: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the soup cook for 6-7 hours, or until the flavors have melded together and the beef is tender.
6. **Add the Tortellini**: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. If you’re using frozen tortellini, you can add it directly without thawing it first. Stir it into the soup and let it cook for the remaining time.
7. **Finish with Cream**: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or milk for a creamy, velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. **Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
### Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef
– **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini**: Tortellini cooks quickly, so it’s important to add it near the end of the cooking process to avoid it becoming too soft or mushy.
– **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this soup, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These options will give you a leaner protein while still maintaining great flavor.
– **Add Veggies**: For a boost of nutrition, consider adding vegetables like **carrots**, **celery**, or **spinach** to the soup. Simply chop them and add them to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes and broth.
– **Adjust Creaminess**: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of cream or milk added. For a lighter version, use **half-and-half** or **milk**, or skip the cream altogether for a more broth-based soup.
### Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This soup makes excellent leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. To store, simply transfer any remaining soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. When reheating, you can either warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
### Variations to Try
While the **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** recipe is already quite versatile, here are some fun variations you can try:
1. **Spicy Version**: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped **jalapeño** to the soup for a spicy kick.
2. **Italian Sausage**: Swap out the ground beef for **Italian sausage** for a more flavorful, seasoned protein base.
3. **Vegetarian**: Skip the meat altogether and add extra veggies like **zucchini**, **bell peppers**, or **mushrooms** for a vegetarian-friendly option.
4. **Cheese Variations**: Experiment with different types of cheese tortellini. Try **spinach and ricotta** tortellini, or go for a **mushroom** or **bacon** filling to add new flavors to the dish.
### Conclusion
The **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** is a perfect meal for any occasion
