Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavor. A slow-cooked family favorite made with ground beef, cheese, ranch seasoning, and pasta shells — perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef, beef broth, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Cover and cook until pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in butter if desired for extra richness.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t add pasta too early or it will overcook.
- Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or chicken.
- Add frozen veggies or spinach for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg