CHEESY CROCK POT TORTELLINI

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, with tender tortellini and melted mozzarella cheese creating a rich and satisfying flavor.
• It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store to add to the crock pot and let cook low and slow.
• The combination of ground beef, diced tomatoes, and pasta sauce creates a robust and savory flavor that perfectly complements the cheesy tortellini, making each bite packed with Italian flavor.
• This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Ground Beef - Adds a meaty and hearty element to the dish, as well as providing protein and depth of flavor.
• Frozen Tortellini - Serves as the base of the dish, providing a comforting and filling texture that pairs perfectly with the melted mozzarella cheese.
• Garlic & Onion - Adds a savory and aromatic element to the dish, creating a rich flavor profile.
• Jarred Pasta Sauce - Provides the base of the sauce, giving a robust and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes - Adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish, as well as providing a slightly chunky texture in the sauce.
• Seasonings - Red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper add a depth of flavor and a subtle kick of heat to this tortellini meal.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese - Melts perfectly into the sauce and tortellini, creating a gooey and indulgent texture that is creamy and satisfying.

HOW TO MAKE CHEESY CROCK POT TORTELLINI

Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Add in the prepared garlic and onion. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook until no pink color remains and the vegetables are softened. Drain the fat off the beef mixture and add to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Assemble the dish: To the beef mixture, add the jarred pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. Add the remaining cheese on top and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted. Serve while hot, and enjoy!

RECIPE TIPS

• Drain the fat from the cooked ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This will prevent the dish from becoming too greasy or oily.
• To prevent the tortellini from sticking together, be sure to give the mixture a good stir after adding it to the slow cooker. This will ensure the tortellini is evenly coated in the sauce and cheese.
• For a crispier and more golden cheese topping, you can transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish. Place it in the oven and broil for a few minutes after cooking.

STORING & FREEZING

Storing: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to the dish to help loosen up the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezing: Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the microwave or stovetop. Note that the texture of the pasta may be slightly different after freezing and reheating.