Next, add the uncooked pasta shells straight into the crockpot. That’s right! No need to cook them beforehand. The slow cooker does an excellent job of cooking the pasta to perfection as the flavors meld together. Stir everything just enough to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
Now it’s time for my secret ingredient: cream cheese! I love how creamy and rich it makes the dish. Just add the cubed cream cheese on top (don’t stir it in just yet) and set your crockpot to low for about 4 to 6 hours. If you like it faster, the high setting will do the trick in about 2 to 3 hours.
When the time’s up, open that lid and prepare for the glorious aroma to waft through your kitchen. Stir in the cream cheese and watch it melt and blend with the sauce. Finally, sprinkle that gorgeous shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for a few more minutes. It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—I can hardly contain my excitement!
Pro Tips for Best Results
To get the most out of this recipe, I tried testing with different ground meats. While beef is definitely delicious, I found that ground turkey adds a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer, you can easily switch it up!
Also, I’ve experimented with the types of cheese, and while cheddar is delicious, adding a bit of mozzarella on top enhances that stretchy cheesiness I dream about. If you’re feeling adventurous, tossing in some pepper jack can give it a lovely kick!
One last tip: I’ve found that allowing the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps everything set up beautifully. The pasta can soak up any extra sauce, and it makes serving a lot easier. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Heading into a recipe can be daunting, and I’ve been there, too! One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not browning the beef long enough. This step is crucial because browning gives the meat a lovely depth and brings out its flavors! Make sure to give it a good cook until it’s nice and brown. (See the next page below to continue…)