Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta (Printable Format)
Savory beef, ranch flavors, and cheesy pasta shells blended into a creamy, comforting American classic.
# Needed 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 medium pasta shells, uncooked
14 -
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
15 -
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
→ Optional Additions
16 -
1 cup frozen peas or corn
17 -
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
18 -
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
19 -
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Drain off excess fat.
02 -
Transfer the browned 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 add condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir to blend. Distribute cubed cream cheese on top but do not mix in. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
03 -
After the initial cook, remove crockpot lid and stir to incorporate the melted cream cheese. Add uncooked pasta shells, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30–45 minutes, stirring a few times, until pasta is just tender.
04 -
Once the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the surface with remaining cheddar cheese. Cover for 5–10 minutes until cheese finishes melting. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
05 -
If using, incorporate frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes. For added vegetables, sauté bell pepper with beef or stir in fresh spinach at the end. Top with crumbled cooked bacon before serving, if desired.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
For best results, use freshly grated cheddar for creamier texture and enhanced melting.