Crockpot Cheesy Crack Beef Pasta
A comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender beef, creamy cheese, and ranch flavor, combined with pasta for an easy, kid-friendly meal that's perfect for busy days.
Equipment
- 1 skillet for browning beef
- 1 crockpot for slow cooking
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot and add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot during the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until pasta is tender.
- Stir the pasta well before serving and garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotini, penne, or shells; avoid thin pasta like spaghetti.
- Add cooked chopped bacon for extra flavor.
- Thin sauce with extra broth or milk if it becomes too thick.