There is something profoundly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of stew that feels like a big hug from the inside out. This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe perfectly balances rich, savory Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini and vibrant vegetables, all simmered slowly to meld deep, soul-satisfying flavors. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or craving an effortless dinner that impresses, this stew delivers a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is key to this recipe’s magic. Each element brings its own special touch—spices for warmth, sausage for hearty flavor, and tortellini for delightful texture—making every spoonful a celebration of comforting Italian-inspired goodness.
- 1 lb Italian or turkey sausages: Provides a savory, meaty base loaded with rich flavor; turkey sausages work wonderfully for a lighter touch.
- 28 oz canned tomatoes: Adds natural sweetness and acidity, creating a robust stew foundation.
- 9 oz frozen green beans: Brings a fresh, crisp bite and beautiful green color to brighten the dish.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini: Tender, cheesy pasta that adds heartiness and comfort to every bowl.
- 1 tbsp oregano: Offers earthy, slightly bitter notes for complexity.
- 1 tbsp basil: Sweet and aromatic, enhancing the Italian essence of the stew.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the stew with a gentle pungency and warmth.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing to add richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the sausage is browned through and no longer pink, while the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks the deep, savory flavor that forms the heart of your stew.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned sausage mixture to your crockpot. Then, add the canned tomatoes, frozen green beans, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and the remaining onion. Stir everything gently to evenly distribute the herbs and flavors. This layering of tastes will slowly meld as the stew cooks low and slow, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for 7 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle simmer allows the flavors to deepen and the vegetables to soften perfectly without becoming mushy. The result is a luscious, well-rounded stew that’s packed with homey goodness.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Tortellini
When about 20 minutes remain, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini along with 1 cup of water. The added moisture ensures the pasta cooks just right without sticking or drying out. Let everything finish cooking until the tortellini is tender and infused with the stew’s savory broth for a comforting finish.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Top your stew with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of herbaceous brightness and salty richness. A crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This stew shines so well on its own, but pairing it with a rustic crusty bread or warm garlic knots makes dipping into that flavorful sauce even more enjoyable. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching and edible presentation. Alternatively, ladle it over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside polenta for a twist that impresses guests without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your stew has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. Leave out the tortellini if you like, adding fresh pasta when reheating to avoid any texture changes. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. This keeps the tortellini tender and the flavors bright, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a vegetarian sausage in this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetarian or plant-based sausages can be substituted to make the stew meat-free without sacrificing flavor. Just choose varieties you enjoy, and follow the same cooking steps for a delicious twist.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning the sausage first adds depth to the stew’s flavor and improves the texture by rendering some fat. While you can skip this step in a pinch, taking the time to brown enhances the overall taste significantly.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the sausage, then pressure cook the stew ingredients (except tortellini) on high for about 10 minutes. Add the tortellini afterwards and cook on sauté until tender. It’s a great option for faster cooking!
What kind of tortellini works best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is ideal as it cooks quickly and melts beautifully into the stew. You can experiment with meat or spinach-filled varieties too, depending on your preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Of course! Feel free to toss in veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize the stew to your liking. Just adjust cooking times slightly if adding firmer vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the comforting magic of a well-made stew to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger, and this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe is a shining star among cozy meals. Its delightful blend of flavors and effortless preparation make it a weeknight hero and a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, this stew will become your go-to for comfort food made easy—give it a whirl and see for yourself!
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Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Stew combines savory Italian sausages, tender green beans, and cheesy tortellini in a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this stew is easily prepared in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. The dish offers versatility with options for traditional Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or a vegetarian alternative using MorningStar Grillers Crumbles.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb Italian or turkey sausages (or MorningStar Grillers Crumbles for vegetarian version)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 9 oz frozen green beans
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp basil
Other Ingredients
- 28 oz canned tomatoes
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian or turkey sausages (or vegetarian crumbles), chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the sausage is browned with no pink remaining and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage mixture to the crockpot. Add the canned tomatoes, frozen green beans, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and additional chopped onion if desired. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to develop deeply and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add Tortellini: When there are about 20 minutes remaining on the cooking time, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and add 1 cup of water to the crockpot. Continue cooking covered until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once done, give the stew a final stir and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful sausage tortellini stew as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with MorningStar Grillers Crumbles.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of added water or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried at triple the quantity for a fresher flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving, adding salt and pepper as preferred.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this stew on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients in a large pot for about 45 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
