Description
Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is a comforting and easy weeknight meal featuring tender ground beef, ranch seasoning, and creamy cheesy pasta shells slow cooked to perfection. This hearty American dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want a warm, cheesy dinner waiting for you.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot. Add the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, stirring to evenly coat the meat.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the uncooked medium pasta shells. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. Cook until the pasta shells are tender and fully cooked through.
- Mix in Cheeses: Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and sour cream until combined. Then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing well until all the cheese has melted and the pasta is creamy and coated.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit in the crockpot, uncovered, for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when adding seasonings.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter variation.
- Using freshly shredded cheeses rather than pre-shredded will result in a smoother, creamier melt.
