Description

Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—this slow-cooked pasta is the ultimate comfort food with tender shells, ranch seasoning, and melty cheddar.

Ingredients

Main Components:

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 oz ranch seasoning mix

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups beef broth

10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup

8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked

1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup frozen peas or corn

½ cup sautéed diced bell pepper

1½ cups chopped fresh spinach

½ cup crumbled cooked bacon

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Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until translucent. Drain excess fat.

Layer in Crockpot:
Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup.
Top with cubed cream cheese (do not stir).

Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until heated through and cream cheese is melted.

Add Pasta & Cheese:
Stir melted cream cheese into the mixture. Add uncooked pasta, 1½ cups cheddar cheese, and milk. Stir thoroughly.

Cook Pasta:
Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Finish & Serve:
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top. Cover for 5–10 minutes to melt. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Stir pasta occasionally during final cooking to prevent sticking.

Bacon adds a smoky finish—perfect for topping just before serving.

Add frozen or fresh veggies for extra nutrition and color.

Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with suitable substitutions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: One-Pot & Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooked
Cuisine: American