Crock Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini

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This Crock Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini combines cheesy pasta and classic cheeseburger flavors in an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy!

A Bacon Cheeseburger Inspired Dinner

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that fills your belly and feels like comfort food without requiring constant attention in the kitchen, this Crock Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini is a great choice. Everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger, but it tortellini pasta form. It’s a simple weeknight meal that’s family-friendly, filling, and perfect for those nights with a busy schedule.

Looking down on a full Slow Cooker of Cheeseburger Tortellini.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes. Brown the ground beef, then combine all ingredients except the tortellini and cheddar cheese in a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, then add the tortellini and cook until tender. Stir in the cheese just before serving.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, but it should be thawed before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from thinning the sauce.

Do I have to use bacon?

No. The bacon adds extra flavor, but this recipe is still delicious without it. Simply leave it out if you prefer or don’t have any on hand.

Why use the Crock Pot when everything is already cooked?

The slow cooker allows the flavors to blend together while freeing up your time. It’s a great option when you want dinner ready with minimal effort later in the day.

What other toppings can I use?

Try stirring in diced pickles before serving, adding a little ketchup, topping with green onions, or even mixing in sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

What to serve with Crock Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or fresh fruit all pair well with this hearty meal.

Where do I find refrigerated tortellini?

Most grocery stores carry refrigerated tortellini in the refrigerated pasta section, often near specialty cheeses, fresh sauces, and packaged fresh pasta products. If you can’t find it easily, ask a store associate.

How to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore the creamy texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

A wooden serving utensil getting some Cheeseburger Tortellini from the Slow Cooker.

Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)

ground beef– lean ground beef works best. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
diced onion– adds flavor and texture. If you prefer softer onions, cook them with the ground beef first.
garlic powder
paprika
bacon– cooked and crumbled. Microwave bacon works perfectly fine for this recipe. You can also leave it out if desired.
diced tomatoes– be sure to drain them well. Fire-roasted tomatoes can be used for extra flavor.
beef broth– low-sodium or no-sodium broth works well. I like to keep it low sodium when possible as there’s enough salt already from other ingredients and if you taste it later on and think it needs more salt, you can always add it– but you can’t remove it.
tomato sauce– helps create the classic cheeseburger-inspired flavor. If you don’t want it, you can leave it out.
yellow mustard– adds to the cheeseburger taste. If you’re not a mustard fan, you can leave it out.
refrigerated cheese tortellini– usually found in the refrigerated pasta section near fresh pasta and specialty cheeses. Frozen tortellini can be used if thawed first.
shredded cheddar cheese– freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly. Colby Jack can be substituted if preferred.

Ground beef, diced onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, bacon, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, refrigerated cheese tortellini, and shredded cheddar cheese.

How To Make Crock Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini

Cook ground beef

In a skillet, cook and crumble ground beef until fully cooked (note: if you like your onion super soft, cook the diced onion along with the ground beef). Drain any excess grease.

Add everything to the slow cooker

To a 5-6 quart slow cooker add cooked ground beef beef, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, half the crumbled bacon, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce and mustard. Stir well until combined.

Cook and then add pasta

Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. There really is nothing to cook here, we are giving it time for everything to warm up and have all the flavors develop together. After 3 hours, stir in the cheese tortellini, making sure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.

Cheeseburger Tortellini being mixed in a Slow Cooker and the tortellini being added in.

Top with cheese and bacon

Cover and cook for an additional 30–40 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and warmed through. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Top with remaining bacon, let sit uncovered for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.