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Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef Tortellini: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Introduction
Welcome to a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight: Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef Tortellini. This recipe is the epitome of comfort food—a rich, velvety, and cheesy pasta dish that requires minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a luxurious, ranch-infused cream sauce, studded with savory ground beef and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect for families, potlucks, or any night you crave something deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. If this sounds delicious, just comment “Yummy” below to save the full recipe!
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Ingredients
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 package (19-20 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
· 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· (Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish)
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History & Origin
While this specific recipe is a modern creation, it draws inspiration from classic Midwestern American cuisine. The use of “cream of something” soup as a base sauce is a hallmark of 20th-century convenience cooking, popularized by brands like Campbell’s. The addition of ranch seasoning—itself an American invention from the 1950s that became a national obsession—adds a tangy, herby depth that defines the flavor profile. Tortellini, originating from the Italian Emilia-Romagna region, brings a touch of European elegance. This recipe is a beautiful example of culinary fusion, combining Italian pasta traditions with classic American comfort-food shortcuts to create something uniquely delicious and easy.
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Benefits of This Recipe
· Incredibly Easy: This is a true “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
· Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store.
· Family-Approved: The creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors are a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the ultimate picky-eater pleaser.
· Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a hearty, impressive dish that you can prepare ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy your guests.
· Customizable: It’s a great base recipe. You can easily add vegetables or swap the protein.
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Formation (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. This step is crucial for flavor development and preventing a greasy final dish.
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder over the beef and stir to coat.
3. Create the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the heavy cream until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Slow Cook (Part 1): Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Note: We are not adding the tortellini yet to prevent it from becoming mushy.
5. Add Tortellini & Cheese: Stir in the package of cheese tortellini, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Slow Cook (Part 2): Re-cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on HIGH for 30-45 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Give everything a final gentle stir. The sauce will thicken as it sits. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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Nutrition Information
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
· Calories: ~680-750 kcal
· Protein: ~32g
· Fat: ~45g
· Carbohydrates: ~42g
· Fiber: ~3g
· Sugar: ~5g
· Sodium: ~1350mg
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.)
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For the Lovers of…
· Creamy Pasta: If you love Fettuccine Alfredo or Mac and Cheese, you will adore this recipe.
· Ranch Flavor: Ranch lovers, this one’s for you! The seasoning infuses the entire dish with that signature tangy, herby taste.
· Cheesy Goodness: With two types of cheese melted into a creamy sauce, this is a dream come true for cheese enthusiasts.
· Slow Cooker Meals: Anyone who appreciates the magic of throwing ingredients in a pot and coming back to a perfect dinner will fall in love with this recipe.
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Conclusion
In a world that often feels too busy, Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef Tortellini is a reminder that comfort can be simple. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills the house with an irresistible aroma, and delivers on every single promise of creamy, savory, cheesy perfection. Whether it’s a hectic Tuesday or a lazy Sunday, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
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Final Call to Action
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Comment “Yummy” for the full recipe! 👇