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Slow-Cooker Meatballs and Tortellini

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  • Prep 30 min
  • Total 3 hr 45 min
  • Servings 4
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This slow-cooker meatball and tortellini dish is just the thing for busy weeknights. Prep it earlier in the day.
By Annalise Sandberg
Updated Jul 10, 2017
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Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup Progresso™ Italian Bread Crumbs 15oz (89102)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce, Pasta and Toppings

  • 1 can (16 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons canned Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
  • 1 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 package (10 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired
Make With
Progresso Broth

Steps

  • 1
    In large bowl, mix Meatball ingredients. Shape mixture into 12 round meatballs.
  • 2
    In 6-quart slow cooker, mix diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add meatballs to slow cooker.
  • 3
    Cover and cook on High heat setting 3 hours or on Low heat setting 6 hours or until meatballs are completely cooked through.
  • 4
    Add tortellini; cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until soft.
  • 5
    Serve meatballs and tortellini with Parmesan cheese and basil.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

  • tip 1
    Meatballs can be prepared in advance. Store in the fridge up to 3 days, or in the freezer up to 2 months. To freeze, place in single layer on sheet pan lined with cooking parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to resealable plastic freezer bag.
  • tip 2
    You can use refrigerated ravioli in place of the tortellini.
  • tip 3
    If you have a digital kitchen scale, use it to portion the meatballs to be same size.
  • tip 4
    If you’re not ready to serve it right away, you can keep this dish in your slow cooker on Warm heat setting for about 1 hour. Any longer, and the tortellini may be overcooked.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts are not available for this recipe

More About This Recipe

  • Raise your hand if your slow cooker has saved you on a busy weeknight! Yep, me too. I love simple dishes that I can prep earlier in the day when I have a few spare minutes, which helps minimize the evening chaos and makes dinnertime so much more enjoyable for everyone. This slow-cooker meatballs and tortellini is just that kind of meal. This recipe has about 10 ingredients total and 30 minutes of prep or less. It starts with the easiest homemade meatballs you’ll find on the web, which simmer for several hours in your slow cooker along with some diced tomatoes, broth and spices. The final piece of the puzzle is cheese-filled tortellini, and dinner is done! Serve with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan and fresh basil, and you have a hearty dinner the whole family will love!
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