why make this recipe
Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells is a delicious and easy meal that your whole family will love. The flavors of ranch seasoning mixed with creamy cheeses and tender ground beef create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy pasta in a unique and tasty way!
how to make Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 oz large pasta shells
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain the fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- In a crockpot, combine the browned beef mixture, ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until everything is heated through and the cheeses are melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the mixture in the crockpot is ready, gently stir in the cooked pasta shells.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve warm.
how to serve Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
You can serve Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells directly from the crockpot. It’s great on its own, but you can also add a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side. Sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese or chopped fresh herbs on top for a special touch.
how to store Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
To store leftovers, let the pasta shells cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
- For extra flavor, you can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to the browned beef mixture.
- If you want a creamier texture, consider adding more cream cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Make sure to stir the mixture well in the crockpot to combine all the ingredients.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could also swap the ranch seasoning for another type of seasoning, such as Italian herb mix, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking for even browning.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just heat it up in the crockpot!
3. What can I do if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own ranch seasoning with a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain the fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- In a crockpot, combine the browned beef mixture, ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until everything is heated through and the cheeses are melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the mixture in the crockpot is ready, gently stir in the cooked pasta shells.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve warm.
Notes
