Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells recipe offers a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is slow-cooked with ranch seasoning, creamy mushroom soup, and beef broth for rich flavor, then combined with tender pasta shells and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The dish is easy to prepare, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

1 pound medium pasta shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and golden. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef to a crockpot. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the beef, then add the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible to blend the flavors well.
Prepare Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess water.
Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked pasta shells to the crockpot and gently fold them into the beef mixture to ensure even coating throughout.
Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta and beef mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
Final Touches and Serve: Stir gently to incorporate the melted cheese into the pasta and beef. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For best results, drain the cooked pasta well to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
Make sure to stir occasionally during the slow cooking step if your crockpot allows, to help meld flavors.
This dish reheats well and is excellent for meal prepping.