What is the name for pasta shells?

They're called conchiglie , Italian for "shells."

What are the really big pasta shells called?

Conchiglioni —these are large shells perfect for stuffing.

Stuffed pasta shells are typically conchiglioni ripieni , filled with ricotta, spinach, or meat.

Use ground beef , stew beef , or shredded roast —each offers different textures but all pair beautifully with pasta.

A hearty and comforting crockpot dish featuring cheesy ranch-flavored beef and tender pasta shells.

Scale

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain excess fat.
Transfer the beef to a crockpot and add the ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth.
Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
Stir the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese into the crockpot mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, cover, and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

You can swap cheddar with a cheese blend for extra flavor. For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes.

Keywords: crockpot, cheesy beef pasta, ranch, comfort food