🥘 Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (optional but extra melty)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
Optional add-ins
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Bacon bits
- Jalapeños
- Extra cheese (always welcome 😄)
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Crockpot / slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Pot for pasta (if cooking separately)
- Knife and cutting board
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the beef
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add:
- chopped onion
- garlic
Cook for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly soft.
Now add the ground beef.
Break it apart with a spoon and cook until:
✔ fully browned
✔ no pink remains
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
This step adds tons of flavor and prevents the crockpot from getting oily.
Step 2 – Prepare the pasta
You have two options:
Option A (recommended)
Boil pasta separately until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
This gives better texture and prevents mushy pasta.
Option B
Cook directly in the crockpot later (more convenient but softer texture).
Step 3 – Assemble in crockpot
Add to crockpot:
- Cooked beef mixture
- Ranch seasoning packet
- Cream cheese (cubed)
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
Stir gently.
The cream cheese will melt slowly and create that creamy sauce.
Step 4 – Slow cook
Cook on:
LOW → 3–4 hours
or
HIGH → 1.5–2 hours
Stir occasionally if possible.
You’ll notice the sauce becoming thick, creamy, and super rich.
Your kitchen will smell AMAZING at this point 🤤
Step 5 – Add pasta + cheese
About 20 minutes before serving:
Add:
- cooked pasta shells
- shredded cheddar
- mozzarella
Mix everything together.
Cover and let cheese melt completely.
The pasta will absorb the sauce and get coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 6 – Finish and serve
Sprinkle:
- parsley
- extra cheese
- black pepper
Serve hot.
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, beefy perfection.
🧀 Flavor & Texture
This dish is:
• creamy
• cheesy
• savory
• herby from ranch
• tender beefy bites
• perfectly coated shells
Every spoonful feels rich and comforting. It’s the kind of meal that makes you go back for seconds without even thinking.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta
Don’t overcook pasta
Always al dente or it becomes mushy in slow cooker.
Freshly shred cheese
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and melts worse.
Stir cream cheese well
Cut it into cubes for faster melting.
Add cheese last
Too early = grainy texture.
🥓 Variations
Bacon Ranch
Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Veggie Boost
Add spinach or mushrooms for balance.
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning + pepper jack cheese.
Extra Creamy
Add extra ½ cup cream or sour cream.
🥗 What to Serve With It
This dish is rich, so lighter sides work best:
• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Fridge
Store in airtight container for 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat
Microwave with splash of milk or cream to loosen sauce.
🍽 Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe is amazing for meal prep.
Divide into containers and refrigerate.
It reheats beautifully and stays creamy.
Perfect for:
- lunches
- quick dinners
- student meals
- busy schedules
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One pot + crockpot
✔ Easy ingredients
✔ Cheap budget meal
✔ Kid friendly
✔ Super filling
✔ Crowd pleaser
✔ Comfort food classic
It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
🧀 Final Thoughts
Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is the ultimate comfort dish when you want something rich, cheesy, and satisfying without spending hours cooking.