Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Shells (Print Version)
Tender shells with cheesy beef, ranch seasoning, and a creamy sauce for an irresistible family dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 -
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
09 -
2 cups beef broth
10 -
10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
11 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
12 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
13 -
2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
14 -
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
15 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
→ Optional Add-ins
16 -
1 cup frozen peas or frozen corn
17 -
1/2 cup diced bell pepper, sautéed
18 -
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
19 -
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
# Steps:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until onion is translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes more. Drain off any excess fat.
02 -
Transfer cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the meat. Pour in beef broth and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir thoroughly. Distribute cubed cream cheese across the surface without mixing in. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
03 -
After initial cooking, uncover and mix cream cheese into the mixture. Stir in uncooked pasta shells, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix well. Cover and cook on high for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
04 -
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese across the surface. Cover for 5 to 10 minutes to allow cheese to melt. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Fold in optional vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach in the final 30 minutes for added texture and nutrients.