Slow Cooker Million Dollar Tortellini 🍝
This rich, creamy pasta dish tastes like something from a restaurant but is incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. The name “Million Dollar” comes from the luxurious combination of cheeses, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 package (20–24 oz / ~600–700 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz / ~700 g) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 block (8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Prepare the creamy mixture
In a bowl, mix:
- cream cheese
- ricotta (or cottage cheese)
- sour cream
- garlic
- Italian seasoning
Stir until smooth.
3️⃣ Layer the slow cooker
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the tortellini.
- Add half the cooked meat.
- Spoon half the cream mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella.
Repeat the layers once more.
4️⃣ Add sauce
Pour remaining marinara and diced tomatoes over the top.
5️⃣ Cook
- Low: 4–5 hours
- High: 2–3 hours
6️⃣ Finish
About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle Parmesan and extra mozzarella on top. Cover until melted.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
⭐ Tips for Best Flavor
- Use Italian sausage instead of beef for extra flavor.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for a healthier twist.
- Don’t overcook—tortellini can become too soft if left too long.
✅ Result: A creamy, cheesy, comforting pasta that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
If you want, I can also show you 5 more “Million Dollar” slow cooker recipes that are going viral right now (they’re extremely easy and taste amazing). 🍲
