Easy Crockpot Tortellini with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese
Looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-make dinner that your whole family will love? This Crockpot Tortellini with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese recipe is the perfect solution! With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can have a hearty, comforting meal ready in just a few hours.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen tortellini (any variety you like)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 box (4 cups) chicken stock (or broth)
- 2 blocks (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of meat, like ground turkey or sausage)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by adding the following to your crockpot:
- 1 bag of frozen tortellini
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 box of chicken stock
- 2 blocks of cream cheese
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef (or your preferred meat). Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat and add the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach. This will wilt down as it cooks, adding flavor and nutrition to the dish.
- Cook: Set your crockpot to high and cook for about 4 hours, or until the tortellini is cooked through and the cream cheese has melted and combined with the broth to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Once everything is cooked, give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super Easy: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Budget-Friendly: Using frozen tortellini, canned tomatoes, and cream cheese makes this a cost-effective meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavors, this dish is the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.
Tips:
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or skip the meat entirely and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots to make the dish even more hearty and nutritious.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen up the sauce.
This Crockpot Tortellini is the perfect weeknight dinner—simple, flavorful, and sure to please everyone around the table. Give it a try next time you’re in need of a quick and easy meal!
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