Description

In the heart of every comforting meal lies a recipe that evokes memories of warmth, family, and tradition. The Old Country Style Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef Shells is exactly that—a dish that brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when all you need is a bowl of something hearty and satisfying. With tender pasta shells, a rich and creamy sauce, and flavorful ground beef, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, the ease of preparation in a slow cooker means you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 2 cups of uncooked medium pasta shells
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. This step not only browns the beef but also enhances its flavor, giving the dish a rich, meaty base.

Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. The combination of onion and garlic adds depth to the flavor, making the dish more aromatic and delicious.

Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the beef mixture. These simple yet effective seasonings give the dish its classic country-style flavor.

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly. The soups and broth create a creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.

Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and creamy sauce that infuses the pasta with deliciousness.

Add the Pasta: After 4-5 hours, stir in the uncooked pasta shells, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes until the pasta is tender. The slow cooking of the pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish.

Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. The sour cream adds a tangy richness that elevates the creaminess of the dish.

Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy ground beef shells hot, garnished with the remaining cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The bright green parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Tips and Conclusion

To add more nutrition and bulk to this comforting dish, consider stirring in some vegetables during the last hour of cooking. Frozen peas, chopped spinach, or sliced mushrooms would make excellent additions. Not only do they enhance the nutritional value, but they also add texture and flavor, making the dish even more satisfying.

Old Country Style Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef Shells is more than just a meal; it's an experience of warmth and comfort that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners with loved ones. The rich, creamy sauce clings to every bite of tender pasta, while the seasoned ground beef adds heartiness and flavor that’s hard to resist. This dish is perfect for busy days when you crave something homemade but don’t have the time to stand over the stove. With its simple preparation and deeply comforting flavors, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your fall and winter meal rotation. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish will always be a crowd-pleaser.