Crockpot Creamy Beef & Cheese Tortellini

Tender cheese tortellini and seasoned ground beef slow-cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with melted cheese. This comforting one-pot dinner is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 package (20 oz/567 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Drain excess grease from the beef.
3. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
5. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Avoid cooking longer than necessary because the dairy and tortellini will be added later.
8. About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini.
9. Add the softened cream cheese in small pieces and stir gently.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the cream cheese begins to melt into the sauce.
11. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. Check early because tortellini can become soft quickly.
12. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
13. Cover again for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese has completely melted.
14. Gently stir everything together, then garnish with fresh parsley.
15. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed green beans
• Garlic breadsticks
• Simple mixed green salad

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings:

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 31 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1,050 mg
• Cholesterol: 120 mg

Nutrition varies depending on the tortellini, ground beef, cheese, and other brands used.

Nut Information

• Peanuts: None
• Almonds: None
• Walnuts: None
• Pecans: None
• Cashews: None
• Pistachios: None
• Hazelnuts: None
• Macadamia nuts: None
• Coconut: None
• Tree nuts: None
• Nut-free: Yes, when packaged ingredients are confirmed nut-free
• Dairy: Yes — cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheese tortellini
• Eggs: Usually yes — many tortellini varieties contain egg
• Gluten: Yes — traditional tortellini contains wheat
• Vegetarian: No
• Vegan: No

For severe allergies, check the tortellini, cheese, broth, and seasoning labels for allergen and cross-contact information.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Frozen tortellini can be added near the end of cooking, but it may require a little additional cooking time.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works well and creates a lighter version.

Q: Can I use Italian sausage?
A: Absolutely. Italian sausage adds extra seasoning and a richer flavor.

Q: Can I make this without cream cheese?
A: Yes. You can replace it with additional heavy cream and Parmesan, although the sauce will be slightly less thick.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli are excellent additions.

Q: Why shouldn’t I add the tortellini at the beginning?
A: Tortellini can become overly soft or fall apart during several hours of slow cooking. Adding it near the end gives it a better texture.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes. Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Q: How should I reheat it?
A: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or beef broth if the sauce has thickened.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: It is possible, but creamy sauces and tortellini may change texture after freezing. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.