Crispy crock pot soup Recipe – Better Than Takeout

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a simmering crock pot soup recipes filling your home on a chilly evening. This recipe is a warm and tasty dish that reminds you of cozy nights and family get-togethers. The rich broth, soft vegetables, and well-cooked pasta come together to create a perfect mix of flavors that will make you feel like you’re in food paradise. Many consider it the ultimate in crock pot soup recipes for its ease and delicious results. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This crock pot soup recipes recipe requires simple, readily available ingredients.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (for that rich, savory base – use salted only if you absolutely must, and adjust seasoning accordingly).
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (the foundation of flavor, choose a sweet onion for extra deliciousness).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for aromatic depth, use fresh for the best taste).
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (choose your favorite; sweet, hot, or mild – it adds a hearty protein and wonderful flavor).
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (the heart of the tomato-based broth).
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred, for better control over saltiness).
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (essential for that classic Italian touch).
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (another key Italian herb, complementing the oregano beautifully).
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat, adjust to your spice preference).
• 1 (15-ounce) package cheese tortellini (choose your favorite filling – meat, cheese, or even spinach and ricotta work wonderfully).
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a final touch of richness and sharpness, use freshly grated for the best flavor).
• Last but not the least Freshly ground black pepper to taste (always finish with freshly ground pepper for a vibrant taste).

Store your sausage properly, ensuring it’s refrigerated at 40°F or below, and check for any off-putting odors before use. For the best quality, use fresh herbs when possible.

Ingredient Substitutes (In Case You’re Missing Something)

Don’t have Italian sausage? Ground beef or even ground turkey can work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Lacking fresh garlic? Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but bear in mind the flavor intensity will differ. If you’re out of oregano or basil, a pinch of Italian seasoning can substitute, though it won’t capture the nuances of the individual herbs. Experiment with different types of tortellini; this crock pot soup recipes is versatile! For a vegetarian option, try vegetable broth and omit the sausage completely.

Step-by-Step crock pot soup recipes Recipe Guide (Follow Along, Minimal Eye-Rolling Required)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your crock pot soup recipes.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This step renders the fat from the sausage, adding richness to the broth. Drain off any excess grease before proceeding.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot

Transfer the sausage mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. This is where the magic begins for your crock pot soup recipes.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the flavors have melded. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and the tortellini to cook perfectly.

Step 5: Add Tortellini

About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir in the tortellini. Cook until heated through and tender. Avoid overcooking the tortellini, as it can become mushy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. For an extra touch, consider a drizzle of olive oil. This crock pot soup recipes is best served immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

* Calories:

Approximately 350-400 (depending on sausage and tortellini choice) – the calories primarily come from the sausage, cheese, and tortellini.

* Protein:

Approximately 25-30 grams – the sausage and tortellini are the main protein sources.

* Carbs:

Approximately 30-40 grams – mainly from the tortellini and tomatoes.

* Fats:

Approximately 15-20 grams – largely from the sausage and cheese. It’s important to note that some fats are healthy, contributing to flavor and satiety. This crock pot soup recipes offers a balanced nutritional profile, providing essential nutrients.

Time and Servings:

Time:
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 6-8 hours (Low), 3-4 hours (High)
Servings:
Serves 6-8 people

Don’t Ruin It—Here’s What Most People Mess Up

* Overcooking the tortellini: This leads to mushy, unappetizing pasta. Add it only towards the end of cooking.

* Not browning the sausage: This diminishes the overall flavor of the soup. Proper browning adds depth and richness.

* Using too much salt: Always start with less salt and adjust to taste.

* Ignoring the simmering time: The long, slow cook is essential for developing rich flavors.

* Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs and good quality sausage make a noticeable difference.

Pro Tips to Make Your crock pot soup recipes Absolutely Delicious

Toast the spices: Toasting the oregano and basil before adding them to the pot enhances their flavor.

Add a splash of white wine: A splash of dry white wine adds complexity and acidity to the broth.

Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh element to the finished dish.

Use different types of sausage: Experiment with different sausage flavors to create unique variations.

My Experience Making This crock pot soup recipes Recipe

My first attempt at this crock pot soup recipes was a bit of a disaster. I overcooked the tortellini, resulting in a rather mushy soup. But I learned from my mistakes, and now I consistently make a delicious and satisfying meal. The ease of preparation, coupled with the incredible flavor, makes this a go-to recipe. I often double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch.

FAQs:

Final Thoughts

This crock pot soup recipes is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering. The combination of rich sausage, flavorful broth, and tender tortellini creates a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the heavenly flavors. Give this easy crock pot soup recipes a try and let me know what you think! This crock pot soup recipes is a must-try!