Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes? This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the answer. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dish made with simple pantry ingredients and loaded with bold ranch seasoning and gooey cheddar. Best of all, everything cooks in a single pot—making cleanup a breeze and dinner a delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: No need to juggle multiple pans.
- Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Rich & Cheesy: Melty cheddar and savory beef are irresistible.
- Zesty Kick: Ranch seasoning gives it bold, tangy flavor.
- Customizable: Add veggies or use your favorite pasta shape.
Ingredients
- 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 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add Liquids and Seasoning
Stir in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup milk. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the Pasta
Stir in 8 oz of your chosen pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Simmer to Cook Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Final Seasoning
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, peas, or bell peppers in the last few minutes of simmering.
- Lighter Option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Side Salad: Serve with a crisp Caesar or house salad.
- Top It Off: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended as pasta can become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Shells, penne, or fusilli all work great.
Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Yes, swap ground beef for mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the beef and chop onions in advance, then cook fresh when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze and reheat with added milk.
What kind of cheese is best?
A: Sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort meal. With savory beef, zesty ranch, and melty cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress. Just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and dinner is served.
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One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and bold in flavor, this one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta is your go-to comfort food—quick, easy, and made in one pot!
Ingredients
- 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 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Stir in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup milk. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Stir in 8 oz of your chosen pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Simmer to Cook Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results.
Ranch seasoning packets can vary in saltiness—adjust salt at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one pot pasta, beef cheddar ranch pasta, quick pasta dinner, creamy ranch beef pasta, comfort food dinner