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#### Instructions:
1. **Brown the Ground Beef:**
– Start by browning the **ground beef** in a skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. **Prepare the Slow Cooker:**
– Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the **diced onion**, **minced garlic**, and **sliced carrots** to the slow cooker as well.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:**
– Pour in the **crushed tomatoes** and **beef broth**. Stir everything to combine.
4. **Season the Soup:**
– Add the **dried oregano**, **dried basil**, **dried thyme**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings evenly into the soup base.
5. **Slow Cook:**
– Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on **low** for 6 to 7 hours or on **high** for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
6. **Add Tortellini:**
– About 30 minutes before serving, add the **tortellini** to the soup. If you’re using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw it first—just add it directly into the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover. Let the tortellini cook in the soup for the remaining 20 to 30 minutes.
7. **Add Cream:**
– Once the tortellini is cooked and tender, stir in the **heavy cream** (or half-and-half) to add a creamy texture to the soup. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
8. **Serve:**
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of **Parmesan cheese**.
9. **Enjoy!**
– Serve your **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** with a side of **crusty bread** or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
### Tips for the Perfect Tomato Tortellini Soup
– **Make it a One-Pot Meal:** If you prefer, you can skip browning the ground beef on the stovetop and simply add it raw to the slow cooker. It will cook in the slow cooker, but browning the meat first adds extra depth of flavor.
– **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers would all make great additions.
– **Use Low-Fat Dairy:** For a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute heavy cream with **half-and-half** or **whole milk**. You can also use **low-fat cheese** or skip the cheese topping if you’re looking to reduce calories.
– **Add a Little Spice:** If you like a bit of heat, add some **red pepper flakes** to the soup while it’s cooking or as a topping.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Hearty and Filling:** The combination of ground beef, tortellini, and vegetables makes this soup a satisfying, one-bowl meal.
2. **Hands-Off Cooking:** With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can set it and forget it, making this recipe perfect for busy days.
3. **Customizable:** You can adjust the ingredients and spices to fit your preferences, making this recipe as flexible as it is delicious.
4. **Comforting and Cozy:** There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of this rich, creamy soup after a long day. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cooler months.
5. **Crowd-Pleaser:** This soup
is family-friendly and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Its savory, cheesy flavors are loved by all.
### Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** is the perfect choice. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare, full of rich flavors, and sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a hearty, healthy meal ready to enjoy, and the best part is you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make it! Try it today, and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
