Directions
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meats to the slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, sliced mushrooms, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Tortellini: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover again and cook until the tortellini is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes. Stir gently to combine if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes for tortellini)
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute plant-based sausage and omit ground beef. Use vegetable broth to enrich flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
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