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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Fresh tortellini in a light, but rich, meaty tomato broth seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 6 servings
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 (28oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (350g) package tortellini
  • 2 cups chopped kale

Instructions

  • In a multi-cooker pot, use the "Brown" or "Saute" function to cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. If your slow cooker doesn't have a similar function, brown the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • If you used a skillet, transfer the seasoned meat to your slow cooker pot. Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and set to slow cook on “Low” for 4-5 hours.
  • Stir in the tortellini. Cook for 30 minutes, until the pasta is hot and cooked through. Just before serving, add the kale.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you're enjoying this soup the next day (and beyond), you can expect the tortellini to be a little soft and puffy as it absorbs the broth over time.
Substitutions and variations:
  • Beef: Instead of ground beef, use 500g ground Italian sausage meat, or 4-6 Italian sausages with the casings removed. To make it spicy, use hot Italian sausage.
  • Italian seasoning: To make your own Italian seasoning, combine 2 tablespoons dried oregano + 2 tablespoons dried basil + 1 tablespoon dried thyme + 1 tablespoon dried rosemary + 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves. Makes a little less than ½ cup.
  • Broth: Use your favourite broth (or whatever you have on hand); beef, chicken, or mushroom broth will work here too.
  • Pasta: Use your favourite fresh ravioli instead of tortellini.
  • Cream: For a thick, creamy broth add 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated parmesan when you add in the pasta.