If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that comes together in just one pot, look no further than One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. This hearty family favorite packs in rich, beefy flavor, a tangy ranch twist, and irresistibly melty cheddar cheese, all swirled around tender pasta—ready in just half an hour. With only a handful of pantry staples and minimal cleanup, it’s pure weeknight magic in a bowl. You’re about to discover why this dish becomes an instant classic from the first cheesy forkful!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a quick trip to the pantry and fridge, you’ll gather everything you need for this delicious meal. Each ingredient in One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta plays a starring role, working together to create layers of flavor, creaminess, and a beautiful pop of color at serving.

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness to kickstart your sauté and helps brown the beef perfectly.
Ground beef: The classic, savory base for this dish—feel free to swap in turkey or chicken if you like!
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks alongside the beef.
Garlic: Amplifies the aroma and brings zippy flavor throughout.
Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with deep flavor as it simmers and cooks right in the pot.
Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and gives that signature cheddar goodness.
Milk: Balances and loosens the sauce for perfect creaminess.
Ranch seasoning mix: Secret weapon for big tangy, herby flavor—don’t skip it!
Short pasta (penne or rotini): Great for capturing all that cheesy sauce in every bite.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts in at the end, finishing the pasta with gooey, irresistible cheddar pull.
Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch on top—totally Instagram worthy!

How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. As soon as it starts to brown, sprinkle in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and everything smells impossibly inviting. If you see excess fat, simply drain it off—it keeps the final dish luscious, not greasy.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

To your beef mixture, pour in the beef broth, squeeze in the whole can of cheddar cheese soup, and add the milk. Sprinkle over the ranch seasoning and give the pot a good stir. You’ll see the beginnings of a creamy, flavorful sauce come together, soaking up all that beefiness and ranchy zing.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Next, add your uncooked pasta straight into the pot with the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every now and then to keep things from sticking, until the pasta is just tender and the sauce thickens to creamy perfection.

Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese

With the heat turned off, stir in all of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts smoothly into the sauce, making everything ultra gooey and bright orange—it’s the finishing touch that pulls every forkful together!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the finished One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta into bowls and sprinkle over a handful of chopped parsley, if using. The fresh herb brightens every bite and gives your pasta a pop of color that’s perfect for your dinner table or your camera roll.

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be shy! Add sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar, or even crushed bacon or jalapeño for a punch of color and flavor that stirs excitement into every serving of your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta.

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or simple garlic bread to soak up every ounce of creamy sauce. The hearty nature of the pasta makes it a complete meal, but a side of veggies or bread sets a vibrant, well-rounded table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta in individual oven-safe bowls and pop them under the broiler for a bubbly, cheesy crown. For a playful family meal, serve right from the pot at the center of the table, or pile into a casserole dish and top with extra cheddar and fresh herbs for a buffet-style feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days—making it perfect for easy meal prep throughout the week!

Freezing

Good news for busy schedules: this pasta freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (let it cool first!), then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the pasta tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully in One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. Each will slightly change the flavor, but the creamy, ranchy sauce unites them all.

Is there a substitute for condensed cheddar cheese soup?

If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, try using a mix of cream of chicken soup with a handful of extra cheddar cheese. It might be a touch less thick, but the end result will still be cheesy and comforting.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free short pasta and make sure your ranch seasoning and soup are gluten-free certified. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, since gluten-free noodles can soften more quickly.

What type of pasta works best here?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they hold on to the sauce wonderfully. You can also use macaroni or rigatoni—anything with curves, ridges, or holes for that cheesy sauce to sneak into!

How spicy is this recipe? Can I add more heat?

As written, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta isn’t spicy at all—just savory and cheesy. For a kick, stir in diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or serve with hot sauce at the table.

Final Thoughts

When you need a dinner that’s guaranteed to please everyone (and won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes), One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the answer. It’s quick, creamy, flavorful, and totally fuss-free. Give this comfort classic a try—you’ll be making it a regular on your table in no time!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring savory ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and zesty ranch seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 (10 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 cup milk
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
8 ounces short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
Simmer and Cook: Stir in the beef broth, cheddar cheese soup, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.