Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is a hearty, delicious dish that brings comfort food to a new level. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines savory beef, creamy sauce, and pasta, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is also incredibly tasty. The combination of ranch flavors with creamy mushroom soup creates a rich and comforting dish. Plus, using a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. It’s a great way to feed the whole family without stress, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
Making Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that you and your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot.
- Add ranch dressing mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, pasta shells, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until pasta is tender.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
Serve your Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells hot and fresh. You can add some fresh parsley on top for a little color and added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a filling meal.
How to Store Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
Tips to Make Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy dish.
- You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, but pasta shells hold the sauce well.
- For extra flavor, add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
Variation
If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you can swap out the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for some heat.
2. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
3. How long does it take to cook in the crockpot?
It usually takes about 4-6 hours on low heat. The pasta should be tender when it’s ready.
Enjoy this comforting and easy meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Make sure to drain the excess fat.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups pasta shells You can use any type of pasta, but shells hold the sauce well.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Use any cheese you prefer.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot.
- Add the ranch dressing mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, pasta shells, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until pasta is tender.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy!
