Looking for a family-friendly, ultra-comforting meal that’s big on flavor and easy on time? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Shells recipe is your perfect solution. It combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a satisfying dinner everyone will love. Best of all? The slow cooker does most of the work—just dump, stir, and relax!
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal, a potluck favorite, or just something warm to enjoy on a chilly day, this creamy, cheesy beef pasta hits the spot every time.
What Makes This Recipe a Winner?
- Effortless Cooking: With just a bit of stovetop prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, this recipe practically makes itself.
- Family-Approved Flavors: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and meaty flavor.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in one slow cooker after browning the beef.
- Perfect Texture: The pasta shells cook right in the slow cooker, soaking up all the flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a complete list of ingredients for this comforting dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Easy Prep: Browning the Meat
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink. This step builds flavor and ensures a better texture than raw meat added directly to the slow cooker.
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens. Drain off any extra grease to keep your dish from getting oily.
Building the Base in the Slow Cooker
Now transfer your beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the following:
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Diced tomatoes (with juices)
- Beef broth
Stir everything together until well mixed. This becomes your flavor-packed base that will slowly simmer into deliciousness over the next few hours.
Let the Slow Cooker Do the Magic
Cover and cook the mixture on:
- Low for 4–5 hours
OR - High for 2–3 hours
This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the broth to take on the richness of the meat and seasoning.
The Perfect Time to Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the uncooked pasta shells. The timing here is key—adding pasta too early can make it mushy.
Cover again and cook on high for 25–30 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overcooking.
Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Finish
Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to make things cheesy and creamy.
Add the following directly to your slow cooker:
- Cheddar cheese soup (undiluted)
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Stir everything gently but thoroughly until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Let it warm through for 5–10 more minutes.
Serving Up Pure Comfort
Your Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Shells is now ready to enjoy! Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Pair it with:
- Garlic bread
- Steamed veggies
- A side salad
- Or just enjoy it all on its own!
Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas
Want to switch it up? Here are a few fun variations:
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or bell peppers with the pasta.
- Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar.
- Creamy Boost: Swap cheddar soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor base.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish stores well and reheats like a dream:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm gently in a saucepan. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
A Cozy Dish for Busy Days
Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Shells is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to the table every time. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you’ve got a cheesy, savory dinner that feels like a big hug in a bowl