CROCKPOT CHEESY RANCH BEEF PASTA ULTIMATE

Imagine the creamy, tangy, cheesy goodness of ranch dressing swirled with tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta – all made effortlessly in your crockpot! This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas, offering a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. I promise, this will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 cup beef broth

For the Pasta

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or a cheddar blend

Let’s Talk Ingredients: Tips and Swaps!

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s chat about some ingredient considerations. Using ground beef is super convenient, but you could also use ground turkey or even shredded cooked chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just brown it ahead of time like you would the beef. I always like to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef. Trust me, it makes a difference in the final texture!

As for the cream soups, feel free to experiment! Cream of celery or even cream of cheddar soup can add a unique twist. Don’t skimp on the ranch dressing mix; it’s what gives this dish its signature flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can kick up the heat. This is truly one of those easy slow cooker recipes that you can customize to your heart’s content.

For the pasta, I usually go with rotini because the sauce clings to it beautifully, but penne or elbow macaroni are also great choices. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, because it will soften a bit more in the crockpot. If you have little time to cook, this recipe will be perfect for you! It will leave you more time to discover other fun crockpot dinners!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Building the Crockpot Masterpiece

4. Transfer the browned beef mixture to your crockpot.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, softened cream cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and beef broth. Mix well until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
7. Stir to combine.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

8. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
9. During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

Finishing Touches

10. Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot.
11. Add the shredded cheddar cheese.
12. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
13. Serve hot and enjoy!

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips for Cheesy Ranch Beef Bliss

Alright, let’s talk about some common issues and how to avoid them. One of the biggest challenges with crockpot cooking is preventing things from drying out. If you find your Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta is looking a little dry during cooking, add a splash more beef broth. Conversely, if it seems too watery, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate.

Cream cheese can sometimes be tricky to incorporate smoothly. Make sure it’s fully softened before adding it to the sauce mixture. Cutting it into smaller cubes can also help it melt more evenly. And if you still end up with a few lumps, don’t sweat it! They’ll melt as the dish sits. Another great tip: consider adding the cream cheese about halfway through the cooking process instead of at the beginning. This can sometimes prevent curdling.

Pasta can also be finicky in the crockpot. Adding it too early can result in mushy noodles. That’s why I recommend adding it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make sure it’s cooked al dente before adding it, as it will continue to soften in the sauce. If you’re using a longer-cooking pasta shape like lasagna noodles, this recipe might not be ideal, but you might like Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna instead.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes! Want to add some veggies? Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.

For a spicier kick, add a can of green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar cheese. If you’re a bacon lover, crispy crumbled bacon would be a fantastic topping. Consider also the Crockpot Taco Pasta Fiesta for another flavorful twist to pasta.

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and soup. You can also substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. No matter what changes you make, this Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta is sure to be a hit!

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli would also be a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal. If you prefer a different soup, you should try Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Ultimate.

For a potluck or party, this recipe is easily doubled or tripled. Just make sure you have a large enough crockpot! It also reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. It’s one of my favorite healthy family dinner recipes crockpot because it’s so easy to prepare and everyone loves it.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good crockpot meal? This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and is packed with flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Also consider Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for another amazing and easy meal!

What I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your own tastes and preferences. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from kids to adults, will love the creamy, cheesy, ranch-infused goodness of this dish. It’s a perfect example of fun crockpot dinners that the whole family will enjoy.

And let’s not forget the slow cooker aspect. There’s something magical about coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal after a long day. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with a quick stovetop meal. If you are looking for a classic dish with a slow cooker twist, check out Slow Cooker Beef And Noodles.

Get Ready to Dig In!

So, there you have it – the ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta recipe. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Ultimate

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender ground beef, creamy ranch-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all effortlessly made in your slow cooker. Customize with your favorite variations for a guaranteed family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Colander
• Pasta pot

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 pound pasta rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

• Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the browned beef mixture to your crockpot.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, softened cream cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and beef broth. Mix well until smooth.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
• Stir to combine.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
• During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, add the cream cheese halfway through the cooking process. If the pasta is mushy, reduce the cooking time in the crockpot. To prevent the dish from drying out, add more beef broth as needed. Ground turkey or shredded chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Experiment with different cream soups like cream of celery or cream of cheddar. Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables. For a spicy kick, add a can of green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Crispy crumbled bacon makes a great topping.