Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a hearty and creamy comfort dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef, savory ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese combine with tender pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce made with beef broth and milk. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple recipe uses only one pot for easy cleanup without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids & Broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta & Seasonings
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat from the pot to reduce grease.
- Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning packet, and uncooked pasta. Mix well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and creates a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef mixture.
- Season & Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne pasta for best results, as they hold the sauce well.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Adding chopped parsley or green onions as garnish can enhance flavor and presentation.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering.
- Cook the pasta uncovered if you prefer a thicker sauce, adjusting liquid accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
