Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole

 

Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

If you're looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole is about to become your go-to dinner. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors — everything you want in a one-pot meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines pantry staples like ground beef, pasta shells, cheese, and a creamy sauce into a satisfying casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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🥘 Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Minimal prep time and the slow cooker does most of the work.

• Kid-approved: Cheesy pasta with ground beef is always a hit with little ones.

• Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients you probably already have.

• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

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🍲 Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 ½ cups uncooked medium pasta shells

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
   Add the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth. Mix well.

3. Cook Low and Slow:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

4. Add Pasta Shells:
   About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.

5. Make It Creamy and Cheesy:
   Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Swap proteins: Try ground turkey or sausage for a twist.

• Add veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Use a different pasta: Elbow macaroni or rotini work well if you don’t have shells.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole is comfort food at its finest — rich, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it's a winner every time. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the moment.

Give it a try, and let the creamy, cheesy goodness speak for itself!