Easy Delicious Crockpot Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot tortellini recipe is a total time-saver. With just a few ingredients, including frozen tortellini, pasta sauces, and ground beef, you can throw everything into your crockpot and let it do the work. The rich combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy pasta sauce, and the softness of the tortellini creates a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. The addition of cream cheese and ground beef ensures this meal is satisfying, while the optional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top take it to a whole new level. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 36 oz bag frozen tortellini

• 16 oz jar Alfredo sauce

• 24 oz jar traditional pasta sauce

• 1 block cream cheese, softened

• 1 pound ground beef, cooked

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• Optional: 1 onion, added to the ground beef while cooking

• Mozzarella cheese (for topping)

• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Red pepper flakes (for topping)

Directions

1. In a crockpot, combine the 36 oz bag of frozen tortellini, 16 oz jar of Alfredo sauce, 24 oz jar of traditional pasta sauce, and 1 block of softened cream cheese.

2. Add the cooked ground beef along with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Optionally, you can add an onion to the ground beef when cooking it for added flavor.

3. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

5. Once cooked, serve with a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

6. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add extra veggies, like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Cheese Lovers: Double up on the cream cheese and add extra mozzarella for an even creamier, cheesier texture.

• Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes, or incorporate some spicy sausage into the meat mixture for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Crockpot Tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the dish has thickened, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. However, keep in mind that fresh tortellini will cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.

Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage in place of the ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free because the tortellini contains gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free tortellini to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight before cooking the next day. Just pop it in the crockpot when you're ready.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Can I use a different sauce besides Alfredo and traditional pasta sauce?

Of course! You can use marinara, pesto, or a creamy tomato sauce if you prefer different flavors.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To give it a spicy kick, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño to the crockpot. Spicy sausage is also a great option.

Do I have to cook the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot?

Yes, it's important to cook the ground beef first. This ensures it’s safe to eat and prevents excess grease from accumulating in the dish.

What can I serve this dish with?

This crockpot tortellini is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If the sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little cornstarch mixed with water, or by simmering it on high for a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

This Easy Delicious Crockpot Tortellini is the perfect dinner solution for those busy nights when you need something quick, flavorful, and filling. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make it as-is or try one of the many variations, it’s guaranteed to satisfy!

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Easy Delicious Crockpot Tortellini

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This Easy Delicious Crockpot Tortellini is a creamy and comforting dish made with frozen tortellini, Alfredo sauce, pasta sauce, and ground beef. It’s a hassle-free dinner solution that’s customizable with various toppings and variations.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Crockpot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

36 oz bag frozen tortellini

16 oz jar Alfredo sauce

24 oz jar traditional pasta sauce

1 block cream cheese, softened

1 pound ground beef, cooked

1 tablespoon minced garlic

Optional: 1 onion, added to the ground beef while cooking

Mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Red pepper flakes (for topping)

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Instructions

1. In a crockpot, combine the frozen tortellini, Alfredo sauce, pasta sauce, and cream cheese.
2. Add the cooked ground beef along with minced garlic. Optionally, add an onion to the ground beef while cooking.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Once cooked, serve with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Cheese Lovers: Double the cream cheese and add extra mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for extra heat.
• Can be prepped ahead by storing ingredients in the fridge overnight.
• Freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
• For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ⅛ of the recipe
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg