Print

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells Recipe

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells recipe combines tender ground beef with creamy cheddar cheese soup and zesty ranch seasoning for a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Slow-cooked to perfection with pasta shells and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Liquids

  • 12 oz medium pasta shells, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef and aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, ranch seasoning mix, milk, and beef broth. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
  3. Combine ingredients in crockpot: Add the cooked beef mixture, uncooked pasta shells, and the cheese soup mixture into the crockpot. Stir to combine evenly, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  4. Cook slow and steady: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pasta shells are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking.
  5. Add cheeses: About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
  6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.
  • Make sure to stir the crockpot occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  • To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium beef broth and ranch seasoning.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings using a larger crockpot.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Beef Pasta, Cheesy Ranch, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

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