Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta (Print Version)

Tender shells, savory beef, ranch seasoning, and cheddar come together for ultimate comfort in one slow-cooked dish.

# 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 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 medium pasta shells, uncooked
14 - 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

→ Optional Add-Ins

16 - 1 cup frozen peas or 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. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes. Drain excess fat.
02 - Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the beef.
03 - Pour beef broth and condensed cream of mushroom soup into the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine. Distribute cubed cream cheese evenly across the top without stirring it in.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours, until heated through and cream cheese is melted.
05 - Uncover and stir to incorporate melted cream cheese. Mix in uncooked pasta shells, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Stir thoroughly.
06 - Cover again and cook on HIGH for 30 to 45 minutes, occasionally stirring, until pasta is fully tender.
07 - Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for 5 to 10 minutes to melt cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Stirring occasionally after adding pasta prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
02 - For a smoky note, incorporate crumbled cooked bacon as a finishing touch.

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