Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

#### 2. **Melding Flavors:**
Slow cooking allows the ingredients to simmer together for an extended period, allowing the flavors to develop and meld in a way that’s difficult to achieve with quicker cooking methods. This means that your soup will taste richer and more complex, with all the flavors from the **tomatoes**, **beef**, **tortellini**, and **herbs** blending seamlessly.

#### 3. **Tender Meat:**
Slow cooking the ground beef gives it plenty of time to become tender and flavorful. The fat in the beef breaks down, adding richness to the soup while infusing it with savory goodness.

#### 4. **Set and Forget:**
For busy people, the convenience of setting a slow cooker in the morning and having a hot, delicious meal ready by the evening is a lifesaver. The slow cooker gives you the freedom to prepare a full meal without the need for constant monitoring or stirring.

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

Making **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** requires a few basic ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this delicious meal:

#### 1. **Ground Beef:**
– The ground beef is the key source of protein in this soup, adding richness and depth of flavor. For a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.

#### 2. **Tomatoes:**
– **Canned crushed tomatoes** are the base of the soup and provide the iconic rich, tangy flavor. You can also use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier soup.

#### 3. **Tortellini:**
– **Tortellini** is the perfect addition to the soup, offering both flavor and texture. Use **cheese-filled tortellini** for a classic touch or experiment with **meat or vegetable-filled varieties**. Fresh or frozen tortellini can both be used, though frozen tortellini is often more convenient for a slow cooker recipe.

#### 4. **Vegetables:**
– **Onion**, **garlic**, and **carrots** add flavor and nutrition to the soup. You can also add **celery** or **bell peppers** if you like extra veggies in your soup.

#### 5. **Broth:**
– You’ll need **beef broth** or **chicken broth** to help create the base for the soup. This adds liquid to the slow cooker, ensuring the soup is the perfect consistency.

#### 6. **Cream:**
– To give the soup a creamy, comforting texture, add a bit of **heavy cream** or **half-and-half** at the end of cooking. This creates a velvety, rich soup that elevates the dish.

#### 7. **Herbs and Seasonings:**
– The soup is flavored with **oregano**, **basil**, **thyme**, **salt**, and **pepper**. You can also add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** for some heat, or use fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

#### 8. **Parmesan Cheese:**
– Grated **Parmesan cheese** adds a salty, nutty flavor to the soup, and it’s the perfect finishing touch when serving. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for added richness.

### How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, let’s walk through how to prepare this easy and satisfying slow-cooker recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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