Nothing says comfort like a hearty, cheesy pasta dish straight from the slow cooker. This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells recipe combines tender pasta shells, seasoned beef, rich cheddar, and creamy ranch flavors in one cozy, satisfying meal. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that requires minimal effort yet delivers big on flavor and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy prep: Minimal hands-on time — your crockpot does most of the work.
• Creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese and cheddar blend for a rich, velvety sauce.
• One-pot dinner: Pasta, meat, and sauce all cook together.
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food: Perfect for kids, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Add veggies or swap the protein for endless variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta Shells:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon cube)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups medium pasta shells (uncooked)
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup frozen peas or corn (stir in during the last 30 minutes)
½ cup diced bell pepper (sautéed with beef)
1½ cups chopped fresh spinach (stir in at the end)

Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess fat.
2. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
   Transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot. Add ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour in the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, then stir to combine.
   Add the cubed cream cheese on top without stirring. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
3. Add Pasta and Cheese
   Uncover, stir to combine the melted cream cheese, then add uncooked pasta shells, 1½ cups cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix well. Cover again and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Final Touches
   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for 5–10 minutes to melt. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4½–5 hours (on LOW) or 2½–3 hours (on HIGH)
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or diced rotisserie chicken.
• Dairy Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version, or swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• Pasta Options: Try penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
• Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until creamy and heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta such as penne or rotini works well.

2. Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, brown the beef in advance and assemble the ingredients (except pasta and cheese). Add them on cook day.

4. Can I use homemade ranch seasoning instead of a packet?

Absolutely! Use about 3 tablespoons of homemade ranch mix.

5. What if my sauce becomes too thick?

Add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your liking.

6. Can I make this dish without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, replace it with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Check the pasta after 30 minutes during the second cooking phase and stir occasionally.

8. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes, add frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

9. Can I use low-fat cheese or cream cheese?

Yes, but it may slightly change the texture and richness.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free condensed soup.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is a deliciously creamy and hearty one-pot meal that delivers pure comfort with every bite. With simple ingredients, effortless prep, and customizable options, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a rich, cheesy pasta dish that everyone will love time and time again.

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