Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 8 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

1 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef, onion and garlic. Cook until beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.

Place ground beef mixture, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chiles, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes into a slow cooker; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until well combined.

Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

Uncover and stir in tortellini; top with cheeses. Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until tender.

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.