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Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells - featured image
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This easy, comforting crockpot dinner features savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, ranch seasoning, and tender pasta shells for a family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 12 ounces small pasta shells (about 4 cups dry)
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, for topping
  • Optional: chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Optional: extra cheese, for topping

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (6-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine.
  4. Add cubed cream cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender and sauce is creamy.
  6. 30 minutes before serving, stir in dry pasta shells, making sure they are mostly submerged. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is al dente.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until melted and sauce is thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra cheese if desired. Let cool slightly before eating.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the beef and onions before adding to the crockpot. Add pasta only in the last 20-30 minutes to prevent mushiness. Adjust salt at the end, as ranch packets and broth can vary in sodium. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta shells and check ranch mix ingredients. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. To freeze, slightly undercook pasta before storing.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, cheesy ranch beef pasta, slow cooker, family dinner, comfort food, pasta shells, easy dinner, ground beef, ranch, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crockpot-cheesy-ranch-beef-pasta-shells-easy-family-dinner-recipe/