Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious, look no further than Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells. This dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef and creamy cheese with tender pasta shells, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, giving you more time to spend with your loved ones. Just imagine coming home to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of this hearty dish, ready to be served straight from the slow cooker!

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you want to add extra veggies for a nutritional boost or swap out the cheese for something different, the possibilities are endless. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, it’s a win-win for busy cooks everywhere!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells is a true crowd-pleaser, combining creamy textures and savory flavors that create a delightful harmony on your palate. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply brown the beef, combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready to go.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The creamy mushroom soup and heavy cream create a rich sauce that envelops the tender pasta and beef, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the cheesy pasta shells combined with seasoned beef, making it a great option for picky eaters.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. You can easily make a larger portion and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for quick meals later on.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese for different varieties to suit your family’s taste.

In a world filled with complicated recipes and long preparation times, the Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells stands out as a nourishing and simple meal that brings everyone together. It’s not just a dish; it’s a way to create memories around the dinner table.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying the Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells is more than just a culinary decision; it’s a choice that can simplify your life and enhance your family meals. Here’s why you should give it a go:

• Time-Saving: With busy schedules often pulling us in multiple directions, this recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it to cook and enjoy your day!
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash afterward, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than cleaning up.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and a creamy sauce that can incorporate vegetables, this meal provides both nourishment and satisfaction.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a gathering with friends, this dish fits seamlessly into any occasion.
• Meal Versatility: Want to make it a complete meal? Pair it with a salad or garlic bread for a delightful dining experience.

With its rich flavors and comforting texture, the Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells is bound to become a staple in your household. Each bite is comforting and satisfying, making it a dish that you’ll want to share with loved ones time and time again.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Recommended Tools

• Slow cooker
• Skillet for browning the beef
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board and knife

These simple ingredients and tools are all you need to whip up this comforting dish. The Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells is not only easy to make but also uses ingredients that are likely already in your pantry!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps to prepare a delicious batch of Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells:

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Introduce the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the browned beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Add Pasta Shells: Gently fold in the medium pasta shells, ensuring they are submerged in the creamy mixture for thorough cooking.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
6. Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
7. Serve: Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

These steps will guide you to create a dish that is not only delicious but also memorable. Make sure to follow each step closely for the best results!

Conclusion

In summary, the Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal effort. Its creamy texture and hearty flavors make it a favorite among families and friends alike. Whether you’re looking to simplify your meal prep or create a delicious dish that pleases everyone, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes like this, check out our other offerings such as Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup and Cheesy Dorito Casserole. You can also find more ideas on our Pinterest page.

Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Shells

This comforting slow cooker dish combines ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta shells for a hearty meal that's easy to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 Small Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 10.5 ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 10.5 ounces Beef Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 8 ounces Medium Pasta Shells
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Slow Cooker

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the medium pasta shells to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the creamy mixture.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Once cooked, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.