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– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
– 1 (8-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Brown the Ground Beef:**
Start by browning the **ground beef** in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Add the **chopped onion** and **minced garlic** to the skillet, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step enhances the flavor and helps build the foundation of the soup.
#### **2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:**
After the beef and onions have been sautéed, transfer the mixture to the bowl of your **slow cooker**. Add the **crushed tomatoes**, **diced tomatoes**, and **beef broth**. Stir to combine, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
#### **3. Add Seasonings:**
To the slow cooker, add the **dried basil**, **dried oregano**, **crushed red pepper flakes** (if you like a bit of heat), **sugar**, and a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Stir everything together and cover the slow cooker with its lid.
#### **4. Let It Simmer:**
Set your slow cooker to **low** and cook for **4-6 hours**, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to develop its rich, hearty taste. If you’re short on time, you can also cook on **high** for about **2-3 hours**.
#### **5. Add the Tortellini:**
About **30 minutes** before serving, add the **tortellini** to the slow cooker. If you’re using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw them—just drop them in directly. Stir gently to incorporate the pasta into the soup, and allow it to cook for the remaining 30 minutes. This will ensure the tortellini cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
#### **6. Add Cream (Optional):**
For a creamy version of this soup, stir in **heavy cream** about 10 minutes before serving. The cream will make the soup luxuriously smooth and add a touch of richness to the overall flavor. You can also skip the cream for a lighter version, and the soup will still be delicious.
#### **7. Taste and Adjust:**
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
#### **8. Serve and Garnish:**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** or **fresh basil** for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory touch.
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### **Why You’ll Love This Soup:**
#### **1. Easy to Make:**
This **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.
#### **2. Comforting and Hearty:**
The combination of **tender ground beef**, **cheese-filled tortellini**, and a **rich tomato broth** creates a soup that’s both filling and satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for those cold evenings when you need something warm and cozy to lift your spirits.
#### **3. Customizable:**
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add some **spinach** or **kale** for extra veggies, or throw in some **carrots** for a touch of sweetness. You can also use **chicken broth** instead of beef broth if you prefer a lighter flavor, or add extra cheese on top for an indulgent treat.
#### **4. Great for Leftovers:**
This soup is even better the next day! The flavors continue to deepen, and the tortellini absorbs more of the tomato broth, making it even more flavorful. It also freezes well, so you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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### **Tips for Success:**
– **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:** Tortellini cooks quickly, and it’s important not to overcook it in the slow cooker. Adding it during the last 30 minutes ensures that it will stay tender and not turn mushy.
– **Use High-Quality Broth:** The broth is the base of this soup, so using a flavorful **beef broth** (or chicken broth) can make all the difference in the final taste. Opt for low-sodium options if you want to control the salt content.
– **Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition:** If you want to make the soup even more nutritious, try adding **spinach**, **zucchini**, or **carrots** in the last hour of cooking. These veggies will soak up the flavors and contribute to the overall heartiness of the dish.
– **Serve with Bread:** Pair this soup with a side of **crusty bread** or **garlic bread** for the perfect meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
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### **Conclusion:**
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of **Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef** to bring comfort and warmth to your day. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this soup is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you need a little extra comfort in your life.
Rich, hearty, and delicious, this soup will quickly become a family favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So, grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and get ready to savor this ultimate cozy meal!
