If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort, this Simple Cheesy Italian Tortellini is the perfect choice.
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Cooked slowly in a rich blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melted cheeses, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Ideal for busy days or cozy family dinners, it delivers a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 jar (16 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (4.5 ounces) sliced mushrooms
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1:Brown the Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Cook and stir until the meat is browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the browned meat to a slow cooker.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms.
- Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours.
Step 3: Add Tortellini and Cheese
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini.
- Sprinkle the mixture with shredded mozzarella and Cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on Low until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the tortellini is cooked and the cheese is bubbly, serve your dish hot and enjoy the delicious, cheesy flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to the slow cooker and extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and then add the tortellini and cheese as directed.




is it okay if i throw in the tortellini frozen or should i thaw them first? got no time to read details.
Frozen works fine! Toss em in, they cook great in the sauce.
hey, can i do this on a grill somehow? love the idea but wanna make it outdoors, thanks.
So, if I add double the cheese, does it become a cheesy cheesy italian tortellini?
Any tips on making this vegan? Love the sound of it but gotta tweak it, Sandra!
Interesting choice of ingredients, but isn’t this just a lazy way of making Italian food? Seems like cheating to me.
I think it’s a smart use of time for busy folks! Can’t wait to try it out.
Not everyone’s got time to cook from scratch, this helps a lot of us.