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Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells

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This creamy, cheesy Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells recipe features tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or comforting family meals, it all comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas/corn, ½ cup diced bell pepper, 1½ cups chopped spinach

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5–7 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 minutes more. Drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer beef to crockpot. Add ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir to combine. Add cubed cream cheese on top (do not stir). Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
  3. Uncover and stir until cream cheese is fully incorporated. Add pasta, 1½ cups cheddar, and milk. Mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar, cover for 5–10 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Use any short pasta like penne or rotini if desired.
  • Adjust heat level with more/less crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
  • Add vegetables in the final 30 minutes for added nutrition.
  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese or Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/crockpot-cheesy-ranch-beef-pasta-shells/