Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

In your slow cooker, add the cooked meat, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the tortellini with the sauce mixture.

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top, then pour in the heavy cream. Mix everything gently.

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.

Once everything is hot and bubbly, give it a final stir. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

For a healthier twist, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. If you’re vegetarian, skip the meat and add a can of chickpeas or some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Spice lovers can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—feel free to play around with different types of tortellini or add in your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers.