A rich, comforting slow-cooker pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, flavorful seasoned beef, and a luxuriously creamy ranch-infused sauce. This easy meal delivers cozy flavors with minimal prep and is perfect for a family dinner or a hearty make-ahead option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker creamy ranch beef tortellini is a perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. The ground beef simmers in a creamy ranch broth, infusing the dish with deep, savory flavor, while the cheese tortellini adds satisfying richness. Everything cooks together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy days or set-and-forget dinners. It’s filling, comforting, and wonderfully creamy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add the ranch seasoning mix, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Add the cheese tortellini, stir gently, and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 4 hours 30 minutes
Total time: about 4 hours 40 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
Replace cheddar with mozzarella or a cheddar-jack blend for a different flavor profile.
Add fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Stir in sautéed mushrooms or onions with the beef for added depth.
For a thicker sauce, add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezing is possible, but note that tortellini may soften slightly upon thawing.
FAQs
How can I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?
Add the tortellini only during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking so it cooks just until tender.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, add frozen tortellini and increase the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes.
Can I substitute the ranch seasoning mix?
You can use homemade ranch seasoning or a blend of dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for about 2 hours before adding the tortellini, then an additional 20–25 minutes.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms work well and can be added toward the end of cooking.
Does the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, the creamy sauce thickens slightly as it stands. Add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and increase cook times slightly if needed.
What type of cheddar works best?
Mild or medium cheddar melts smoothly and complements the creamy ranch flavors nicely.
Can I make this without cheese tortellini?
You can substitute with plain tortellini or another filled pasta, adjusting cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, brown the beef and assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and refrigerate. Start the slow cooker when ready to cook.
Conclusion
This slow cooker creamy ranch beef tortellini delivers hearty comfort with simple ingredients and minimal effort. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and satisfying savory flavor, it’s a dependable dinner option that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Enjoy it as a fuss-free family meal or a cozy treat on busy days.
A rich and creamy slow-cooker pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese tortellini, and a savory ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting, minimal-effort family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add the ranch seasoning mix, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Add the cheese tortellini, stir gently, and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Add tortellini near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
For extra veggies, stir in spinach or mushrooms toward the end.
Use mild or medium cheddar for best melting and flavor balance.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frozen tortellini may be used with slightly extended cooking time.
