Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Beef Sausage
Featured in Crockpot.
A comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender cheese tortellini and savory beef sausage in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.
I remember one Tuesday, back when my kids were tiny, and everything felt like a beautiful, chaotic blur. I had forgotten to plan dinner, and the clock was ticking. That's when I first thought of tossing everything into the crockpot – a little prayer, really, for something easy and delicious. This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Beef Sausage was born out of that moment of pure exhaustion and a yearning for comfort. It felt like a small miracle, honestly, pulling off a hearty meal that everyone loved with minimal fuss. The way the beef sausage browns, then simmers all day with the tomatoes and herbs, infusing every corner of the house with a cozy aroma... it's just the best. And those cheese tortellini, plump and perfect, absorbing all that rich sauce at the very end. It's my go-to when I need to feel like a superhero without actually putting in the cape-level effort.
Why You'll Love It
- •**Effortless Comfort** - Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the hard work.
- •**Family Favorite** - Everyone, even the pickiest eaters, devours this cheesy, savory goodness.
- •**Weeknight Lifesaver** - Comes together quickly for busy evenings when time is precious.
- •**Hearty & Satisfying** - A truly comforting meal that fills you up with warmth.
The first time I served this, my youngest, who usually dissects every meal, just quietly ate her entire bowl, then asked for seconds! My husband looked up from his plate, a contented sigh escaping him, and said, 'This. This is exactly what I needed today.' It was such a small moment, but it felt huge, you know? To provide that kind of warmth and satisfaction, effortlessly. That's why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Beef sausage: Choose a good quality, flavorful beef sausage. You want that richness to shine through.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: These form the base of our lovely sauce. Go for a brand you trust for robust tomato flavor.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The star of the show! Frozen works perfectly here, no need to thaw. It absorbs all that wonderful flavor.
- Cream cheese: This is our secret weapon for a creamy, dreamy sauce. It melts right in, making everything luscious.
Complete Cooking Process
First, you'll brown the beef sausage. This step is a flavor builder, getting those lovely caramelized bits. Drain any excess fat, because we want flavor, not grease.
Into the crockpot go the browned sausage, crushed tomatoes, a little onion, garlic, and those beautiful Italian seasonings. Give it a gentle stir – almost like tucking it in for a long, slow nap.
Now, let the slow cooker work its magic for a few hours. This is where all those flavors deepen and meld, turning into something truly special. You'll smell it, I promise!
Towards the end, we add the frozen tortellini and blocks of cream cheese. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the goodness, and the cream cheese melts into velvety perfection. Just a little stir, watch it transform.
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, maybe some grated Parmesan, and it's ready! Ladle it into bowls, a comforting hug in every bite. It’s truly that easy, hon.
The Magic of the Slow Cooker
Honestly, the slow cooker is like having a silent, diligent sous-chef. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something deeply flavorful with barely any effort from you. For this tortellini and sausage, it means the beef sausage gets tender, the tomatoes sweeten, and all those herbs have time to bloom.
Why Brown the Sausage?
Some might skip browning the beef sausage, but please don't! Those crispy, browned bits? They're pure flavor gold. It adds a depth that you just won't get if you throw it in raw. It’s an extra five minutes that makes all the difference, trust me.
Tortellini Timing is Key
Adding the tortellini at the right moment is crucial. Too early, and you'll have mushy pasta. We want that lovely al dente bite. The last 15-30 minutes is usually perfect for frozen tortellini, letting it cook through just as the sauce thickens and the cream cheese melts.
Cream Cheese for Creaminess
Cream cheese might seem a little unexpected in a tomato sauce, but it’s my secret to that irresistibly creamy texture without adding heavy cream. It melts in smoothly, adding a slight tang and a velvety richness that makes this dish feel extra special. No special technique needed, just drop it in!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect fresh counterpoint. And a crusty piece of bread? Oh, for dipping in that incredible sauce, absolutely. It's about enjoying every last drop, you know?
You Must Know
- •Don't skip browning the beef sausage – it builds incredible flavor.
- •Add frozen tortellini during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking to prevent mushiness.
- •Let the cream cheese soften slightly before adding for easier melting.
- •Stir gently when adding tortellini and cream cheese to incorporate without breaking them.
Making this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Beef Sausage always feels like a little victory. It’s proof that you can create something deeply comforting and utterly delicious, even when life is pulling you in a million directions. It’s not about perfection, but about nourishment and joy at the end of a long day. Honestly, it's a hug in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use fresh tortellini?
Yes, but add it during the very last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than frozen.
→Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added with the tomatoes. Just remember spinach will wilt down quite a bit.
→How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
→Can I freeze this dish?
It can be frozen, but the tortellini texture might change slightly, becoming a bit softer. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Beef Sausage
Crockpot cheese tortellini and beef sausage is the perfect easy slow cooker meal for busy nights! Comforting and a family favorite.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
3-4 Hours (High) or 6-8 Hours (Low)
Total Time
3 Hours 15 Minutes - 8 Hours 15 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker
- 011 tbsp olive oil
- 021 lb ground beef sausage
- 031 yellow onion, chopped
- 043 cloves garlic, minced
- 052 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 061 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 071 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 082 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 091 tsp salt
- 101/2 tsp black pepper
- 118 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 121 (19 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini
For Serving (Optional)
- 01Fresh basil, chopped
- 02Fresh parsley, chopped
- 03Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Transfer the cooked beef sausage to your slow cooker.
To the same skillet (no need to clean!), add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef sausage.
Into the slow cooker, pour in the crushed tomatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently until well combined. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
About 15-30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese and frozen tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate the cream cheese as it melts and to submerge the tortellini in the sauce.
Continue to cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is creamy and heated through. Give it a final stir.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy that beautiful, comforting meal!
Notes & Tips
- 1For best results, do brown the beef sausage before adding to the crockpot.
- 2Cooking times for slow cookers can vary, so keep an eye on the tortellini during the last phase.
- 3Don't forget to stir well once the cream cheese and tortellini are added to ensure even melting and cooking.
Tools You'll Need
- •**Don't Rush the Browning:** Taking the time to properly brown the beef sausage adds so much depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- •**Tortellini Timing:** Adding the tortellini too early can make it mushy. Stick to the last 15-30 minutes for perfectly cooked pasta.
- •**Stir Gently:** When adding the tortellini and cream cheese, stir carefully to ensure everything is mixed without breaking the tortellini.