Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is big enough. I once tried it in a smaller one and dinner was delayed while we improvised with two pots. If you double, add a bit more broth and check pasta tenderness at the end.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works fine. You may want to increase seasoning slightly since turkey is milder. A splash of Worcestershire helps deepen the flavor.

Is the pasta cooked before adding to the crockpot?

No, you add uncooked pasta in the last 30–40 minutes so it cooks in the sauce. This gives the pasta time to soak in flavor without getting mushy.

How do I make it less rich?

Reduce the amount of cheddar by a half cup, use low-fat sour cream, and consider evaporated milk or a lighter cream cheese variety. Add more broth and a handful of veggies to stretch the dish.

Can I keep this warm for a party?

Yes, a slow cooker on the warm setting will hold it for a while. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if it starts to thicken too much. These answers come from trial and family feedback. I have fed this to picky eaters and harvest potluck crowds, and the tweaks above have kept it flexible and dependable.

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Crack Beef Pasta 2026

Description

A comforting and creamy pasta dish made with ground beef, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese, all cooked conveniently in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Transfer beef to crockpot. Add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, sour cream, and beef broth. Stir gently.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
In the last 30–40 minutes, stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender, about 30–40 minutes.
Stir well before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

This dish can easily be adapted with different types of pasta and added vegetables. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg