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Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells

creamy crockpot cheesy ranch beef pasta shells - featured image
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A cozy, creamy, and cheesy ranch-flavored beef and pasta shell dish cooked low and slow in the crockpot for a fuss-free family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 8 ounces (225g) medium pasta shells
  • 1 packet (about 1 ounce / 28g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until just al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well blended.
  4. Add browned beef, cooked pasta shells, and cheese-ranch mixture to the crockpot. Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Add minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently without breaking pasta shells.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Check after 2 hours; pasta should be tender and cheese melted. Add more milk or broth if sauce is too thick.
  7. Give a gentle final stir, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Avoid stirring vigorously during cooking to keep pasta shells intact. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth. Let the dish sit 10-15 minutes after cooking with lid off to thicken sauce and deepen flavors. Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, cheesy, ranch, beef, pasta shells, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-crockpot-cheesy-ranch-beef-pasta-shells-easy-homemade-recipe-for-family-meals/