Description
If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that hits every comfort note, Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is a must-try. This creamy, cheesy, ranch-seasoned beef pasta comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy schedules. With hearty ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a savory blend of ranch and cheddar, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re after easy dinner ideas, family food ideas, or comfort food recipes, this one-pot wonder belongs in your regular meal rotation. It also freezes beautifully—ideal for meal prep!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning (about 1 ounce)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain grease.
2. In a crockpot, add the cooked beef, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine.
3. Add the uncooked pasta shells and stir gently to submerge them in the liquid.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours until pasta is tender.
5. Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Cook on warm for 10 more minutes to thicken.
7. Serve hot and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Stir once midway through cooking if possible to avoid pasta sticking together.
For added flavor, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or top with crispy bacon before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy crockpot dinner, creamy beef pasta, cheesy ranch pasta