Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe is such a winner:

• Cheesy & Creamy: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese with ranch seasoning and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, comforting dish.

• Hands-Off Cooking: With the slow cooker doing all the work, this is a low-maintenance meal that’s perfect for busy days.

• Great for Families: With 6 servings, it’s perfect for a family dinner and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

• Leftovers: This dish keeps well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze it for later.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious meal:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 pound medium pasta shells

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

• In a bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until well combined.

• Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

• Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Layer the Crockpot

• In the crockpot, layer half of the cooked ground beef, followed by half of the cooked pasta shells.

• Pour half of the ranch mixture over the layers and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

• Repeat the layers with the remaining ground beef, pasta shells, ranch mixture, and shredded cheese.

3. Cook in the Crockpot

• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve

• Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

• Serve the cheesy ranch beef pasta shells hot and enjoy the delicious flavors.

5. Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 2-3 hours in the crockpot

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – 3 hours 20 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be customized in many ways:

• Different Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage if you prefer.

• Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add extra veggies and flavor.

• Cheese Varieties: You can mix up the cheeses; try adding provolone, gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just allow it to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use any short pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey is a great substitute for beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the crockpot ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just cook it on the day you plan to serve it.

Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or any other cream-based soup if preferred.

Can I cook this on high instead of low in the crockpot?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 1.5–2 hours if you’re short on time. Just make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time!

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