Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta

Featured in: Effortless Meals in One Dish

Enjoy a comforting crockpot dish featuring ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Enhanced with ranch seasoning and cream of mushroom soup, this meal cooks low and slow, melding flavors for rich, hearty results. Every bite delivers savory beef, melted cheese, and tangy ranch in a satisfying, easy-to-make family favorite. Simple layering and slow cooking create irresistible textures, while fresh parsley offers a bright finishing touch. Perfect for busy days or cozy dinners, this meal combines convenience with crave-worthy taste.

Tags: #halal #slow-cooker #north-american #beef #easy #over-30-minutes #family-friendly #dinner #high-protein

A woman in a chef's hat smiles for the camera.
By Sana Rose
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:24:18 GMT
A bowl of pasta with cheese and beef in a crockpot. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with cheese and beef in a crockpot. | recipebyme.com

This creamy Crockpot cheesy ranch beef pasta shells recipe is a comfort food classic designed for busy nights or relaxed weekends when hearty flavors and hands-off cooking shine. Meaty ground beef, rich cheesy goodness, zesty ranch, and tender pasta shells all find their way into the slow cooker and the end result is completely irresistible. You get layers of creamy, gooey, tangy flavor with every scoop. Lazy cooks and cheese lovers unite for this one-pot wonder that never fails to please a crowd.

I whipped up this recipe after a long workday when I wanted something filling but effortless. The nostalgia when you open the lid and smell the ranch and gooey cheese is hard to beat. Now my family requests it whenever pasta shells are on sale.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: one pound gives the dish hearty substance and rich flavor use an 80 20 blend for the best taste and texture
  • Ranch seasoning packet: infuses every layer with tangy herby notes choose your favorite brand
  • Cream of mushroom soup: creates a luscious creamy base go for a low sodium version if desired
  • Beef broth: deepens the savory backbone check for a rich color and aroma for quality
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: one cup brings sharp cheesy depth always shred cheese fresh for best melt
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: one cup lends that signature melty stretch use whole milk mozzarella for richness
  • Medium pasta shells: one pound are perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce cook just until al dente to hold their shape
  • Salt and pepper: add these at the end to fine tune the seasoning
  • Fresh parsley: is optional but brings a pop of color and freshness look for perky green leaves

Instructions

Prep the Beef:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until deeply browned and cooked through Take your time to render out fat and develop maximum flavor bits on the pan Drain excess fat with a spoon or paper towel for the creamiest casserole
Mix the Ranch Mixture:
In a medium bowl whisk together ranch seasoning packet cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until you have a smooth pourable mixture This blend is your flavor powerhouse ensure it is fully combined with no lumps
Shred the Cheese:
Shred cheddar and mozzarella from blocks for the best melting and texture Pre shredded cheese often has anti caking agents that can affect creamy sauces
Boil the Pasta:
Cook pasta shells in a generous pot of salted water until just al dente They will finish softening in the crockpot so avoid overcooking Drain and set aside immediately stirring with a little oil if you want to prevent sticking
Layer the Crockpot:
In your crockpot layer half the cooked ground beef then half the cooked pasta shells Ladle over half the ranch soup mixture then sprinkle with half the shredded cheeses Repeat all layers with the remaining ingredients Make sure cheese is evenly spread for a gooey top
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for about two to three hours Keep an eye on the edges for bubbling melted cheese and be careful not to overcook or the pasta can turn mushy
Season and Serve:
Once piping hot and bubbly taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired Top with a shower of fresh chopped parsley for a pretty finish Scoop into bowls and serve hot
Store Leftovers:
Place any extras into an airtight container and store in the fridge This casserole only gets better overnight as flavors mingle
A bowl filled with pasta and meat, likely beef, in a cheesy ranch sauce.
A bowl filled with pasta and meat, likely beef, in a cheesy ranch sauce. | recipebyme.com

My absolute favorite part is that first golden cheesy scoop with tender beef tucked into every shell. Once my little one danced in the kitchen just from the smell alone and now it is our go to snow day meal.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator where they will last up to four days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back. Do not freeze if using cooked pasta as it can become mushy on thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer a lighter version. Try cream of chicken or celery soup instead of mushroom for a change in flavor. Use any small pasta shape like rotini or penne shells are most nostalgic for me.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal. Round it out with roasted broccoli or steamed green beans for color and crunch. Top each bowl with extra cheese before broiling for an over the top finish.

Cultural and Historical Context

Crockpot casseroles are part of American home cooking tradition marrying the convenience of slow cookers with the classic flavors of a hearty casserole. Ranch seasoning rose to fame in the US during the seventies and quickly became a staple for dips and weeknight recipes. Cheesy pasta is universally loved and the slow cooked version guarantees nostalgia and crowd pleasing results.

Seasonal Adaptations

Warm up winter nights with extra melty cheese on top. In summer lighten it up with fresh chopped tomatoes and basil stirred in at the end. Add cooked chopped spinach or peas for a springtime spin.

Success Stories

Many readers tell me their kids request this recipe for birthdays and dance parties. I often double the batch for church potlucks and it never comes home with leftovers. Friends rave that it is just as good reheated for lunches.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze prep the beef and soup mixture in advance and store separately from uncooked pasta. Thaw both overnight assemble with cheese and shells then cook in the crockpot for best results. Pasta cooked fresh always gives a better texture.

A bowl of pasta with cheese and beef in a crockpot.
A bowl of pasta with cheese and beef in a crockpot. | recipebyme.com

This recipe is all about comfort and convenience but the flavors stand up even for special occasions.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute other medium-sized pasta, such as rotini or penne, if pasta shells are unavailable.

→ Can I replace the ground beef with another meat?

Ground turkey or chicken works well as substitutes for beef, delivering lighter flavor with similar results.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the beef for cooked lentils or plant-based ground and use vegetable broth for a meatless option.

→ Does this meal reheat well?

Yes, leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat easily in the microwave or stovetop, maintaining creaminess.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Stir in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms before the final cooking phase for added texture and nutrition.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complement the cheesy, savory flavors of the dish.

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta

Cheesy beef pasta shells combined with ranch and two cheeses for a creamy slow-cooked comfort food dish.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
180 min
Total Time
200 min
By Sana: Rose


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 generous portions)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients

→ Main components

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
03 1 can cream of mushroom soup
04 1 cup beef broth
05 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 1 pound medium pasta shells
08 Salt and pepper, to taste
09 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a utensil. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, stir together the ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.

Step 03

Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and set aside for layering.

Step 04

Boil the pasta shells in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 05

Inside the crockpot, spread half of the cooked ground beef evenly, then layer with half of the cooked pasta shells.

Step 06

Pour half of the ranch mixture over the beef and pasta layers. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.

Step 07

Layer the remaining ground beef, pasta shells, ranch mixture, and cheeses as before to complete the assembly.

Step 08

Cover and set the crockpot to low. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the cheese has melted and the dish is bubbling.

Step 09

Uncover, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir gently to combine.

Step 10

Top with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Step 11

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.

Notes

  1. For best results, add freshly shredded cheese to enhance creaminess and meltability.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cheese grater
  • Large pot
  • Crockpot (slow cooker)
  • Cooking utensils
  • Airtight food storage container

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar and mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup)
  • Contains gluten (pasta shells, possible in cream of mushroom soup)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 575
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Proteins: 32 g