This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and zesty ranch seasoning into one irresistible meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, and the combination of savory beef, melty cheddar, and tangy ranch seasoning creates a comforting, satisfying meal. It's customizable, allowing me to add veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit my taste.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Protein Swap: I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Spice It Up: Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce gives it a nice kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stirring in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach adds nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack changes up the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture, warming it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it in advance. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits. When reheating, I add a little extra broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Absolutely! I mix dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to create a homemade version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the ranch seasoning is gluten-free, I can enjoy a gluten-free version of this dish.
What can I serve with this pasta?
I like to pair it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, I have frozen leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge before reheating, adding a bit of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is my go-to comfort meal. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a dish that's both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Plus, with only one pot to clean, it's a win-win!
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—featuring tender pasta, juicy ground beef, zesty ranch seasoning, and melty cheddar cheese—all made in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added veggies, mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce.
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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