One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and quick, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine rich beef, creamy cheddar, and the irresistible flavor of ranch seasoning—all coating tender pasta, every bite bursting with savory goodness. This dish is incredibly simple, impossibly cheesy, and cooks up in a single pot for maximum convenience and minimal cleanup. One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta brings together everything you love about homemade comfort food in less than half an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic of this recipe: the ingredient list is short and straight to the point, but each element truly shines to make this dish sing with flavor. Every item either delivers bold taste, helps create the creamy sauce, or adds that bit of savory, golden color you want in your bowl.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish, giving the sauce rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Great for sautéing the beef if it’s lean, and adds a touch of richness.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): Instantly loads every bite with herby, tangy flavor and a dash of nostalgia.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Adds amazing depth and helps cook the pasta right in the pot, infusing flavor into every piece.
- Milk (2 cups): Makes the sauce deliciously creamy and smooth, tying everything together.
- Uncooked pasta (10 oz penne or rotini): The perfect shape for catching creamy sauce and bits of beef.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts to a luscious, gooey consistency and brings bold sharpness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to layer in that signature cozy aroma and flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a peppery bite, balancing all the creamy goodness.
- Salt, to taste: Seasons the dish perfectly—add a pinch, taste, and adjust.
- Chopped parsley (optional for garnish): A sprinkle for freshness and a pop of green color.
How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by placing a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Take your time here—browning the beef gives the whole One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta recipe a deep, savory base. If your beef is on the leaner side, add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep things nice and juicy. Once the meat is fully cooked with a little golden color, drain off any excess grease to keep your sauce from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Season and Aromatize
It’s time to make things exciting! Stir in the ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is the secret blend that transforms simple ground beef into something crave-worthy. The aromas will start wafting up instantly, and you’ll know you’re on the right track. Give everything a good mix so that every beefy bit is coated in tangy, herby ranch magic.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Now, pour in the beef broth and milk—these not only cook the pasta but help form the creamy sauce that makes One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta so irresistible. Toss in your uncooked pasta (penne and rotini both work wonderfully, as their shape grabs all that sauce). Stir it all together, ensuring the pasta is evenly submerged.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Give it a stir every few minutes so nothing sticks. Allow the pasta to simmer for 12 to 15 minutes—long enough for it to become tender and for most of the liquid to be absorbed. The mixture should look rich and saucy, not soupy.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts into the sauce, turning the whole mixture creamy and golden. Taste your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta and adjust the salt as needed. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds color and a little freshness to each bowl!
How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Garnishes
The finishing touch is what takes this dish from great to show-stopping. Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness, or, if you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of more shredded cheddar or even crispy bacon bits. It’s all about those little details that make your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This rich, creamy pasta is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out, go for a crisp green salad or some hearty garlic bread. Roasted veggies such as broccoli or green beans also complement the cheesy, beefy flavors beautifully without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta in colorful bowls with extra toppings at the table—think diced tomatoes, sliced scallions, or even some homemade ranch drizzle. You can also spoon it into mini oven-safe dishes, top with a little more cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your pasta cool to room temperature, then scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate. One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta keeps well for up to three days, meaning you’ll have delicious leftovers ready to go for lunch or another speedy dinner.
Freezing
If you need to freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. The dish freezes well for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and the pasta’s texture is intact.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or pop a serving in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or beef broth if the sauce needs a little loosening. Stir well and heat until everything is bubbly and hot, and your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta will taste almost as good as new!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes for a lighter version of One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. Just keep an eye on seasoning, as turkey is milder and might need a pinch of extra salt or an extra dash of ranch mix.
What type Main Course
Penne or rotini are both wonderful because they trap the cheesy sauce and bits of beef in every bite. You can also use shells, fusilli, or even elbows—just watch the cooking time as smaller shapes cook faster.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can soften quickly, so monitor the texture as it simmers.
How can I make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the other seasonings. Another option is to stir in some diced jalapeños with the beef for a flavorful punch.
Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Of course! Toss in some steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering. They’ll blend right into the cheesy, creamy sauce for a more wholesome take.
Final Thoughts
When dinner needs to be easy, cheesy, and downright delicious, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta fits the bill every time. It’s quick to throw together, family-friendly, and endlessly comforting—what more could you ask for? Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dinnertime rotation!
Print
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and ranch flavors, perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound ground beef
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon (if needed)
Ranch Seasoning Mix:
1 packet
Beef Broth:
2 cups
Milk:
2 cups
Uncooked Pasta:
10 oz (penne or rotini)
Cheddar Cheese:
2 cups shredded
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Salt:
to taste
Parsley:
chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season and Add Liquid: Stir in the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust salt if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired.
- For a spicier version, mix in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
