If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort, this Simple Cheesy Italian Tortellini is the perfect choice.

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.

Simple Cheesy Italian Tortellini
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 shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Serve
- Once the tortellini is cooked and the cheese is bubbly, serve your dish hot and enjoy the delicious, cheesy flavors.
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.