Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner combining savory ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning in a comforting pasta dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease, if any.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, black pepper, beef broth, milk, and the uncooked pasta. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy throughout the pasta.
- Adjust Flavors and Rest: Taste and add salt if needed. Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta sit covered for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
