One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Picture this: creamy, cheesy pasta with juicy beef, all cooked together in one pot with the perfect kick of ranch seasoning. One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is everything you want in a meal—easy, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that’ll impress the family, this recipe has you covered. The best part? No mess, no fuss—just throw everything in one pot, and you’re good to go. Ready for a game-changing dinner? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Here’s why this dish is destined to be your new go-to:

Quick and Easy

With only one pot and a few simple ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it gets. The beef cooks right in the pot with the pasta, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the ranch seasoning and cheese. It’s a total time-saver!

Flavor Explosion

The combination of savory beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning makes this dish an instant hit. Every bite is packed with flavor that’s perfectly balanced—rich, tangy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

No Cleanup Hassle

This is the ultimate “minimal effort, maximum reward” recipe. Since everything is cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. No need to wash multiple pans, just the one you cooked in. Less mess = more time to enjoy your meal!

Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is perfect for the whole family, and even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly, so make sure to save some for leftovers (if you can)!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta:

For the Pasta:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Ground beef gives this dish its rich, hearty flavor.
• Pasta: Any short pasta will work well. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are all great choices for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth: For added flavor and to cook the pasta in.
• Ranch Seasoning: A packet of ranch seasoning mix brings a tangy, zesty flavor that ties everything together.
• Cheddar Cheese: We’re using shredded cheddar cheese to make this dish extra creamy and cheesy.

For the Sauce:

• Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Milk: To make the sauce smooth and rich.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: A little seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the pasta to perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this flavorful, cheesy pasta? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Broth

Once the beef is browned, add your pasta to the pot, followed by the beef broth. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese and milk. Let it melt and combine with the broth to create a creamy sauce. You may need to stir for a minute or two to get everything smooth and creamy. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cream cheese or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce is creamy, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to get the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is combined and the sauce is creamy and cheesy, it’s time to serve! Spoon the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta into bowls, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness. This dish is best served hot, so dig in while it’s fresh!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 950mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 35g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to make it even more satisfying:

With a Side Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance the richness of the pasta.

With Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with garlic bread on the side. The crunch and garlic flavor complement the creamy, cheesy pasta beautifully.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make a great veggie side to add some color and nutrients to the meal.

As a Standalone Meal

Sometimes, this dish is so filling, it’s all you need. Just serve it in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta turns out perfect every time:

Adjust the Creaminess

If you like your pasta extra creamy, feel free to add a bit more cream cheese or cheese until it reaches your desired consistency.

Make It Spicy

Want to add a little heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Try Ground Turkey or Chicken

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

Add Veggies

Feel free to sneak in some veggies! Frozen peas, spinach, or bell peppers can be added when you’re simmering the pasta for extra nutrients.

Make It Ahead

You can make the pasta ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works great in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?
A2: You can! You can use homemade ranch seasoning or substitute with other seasoning blends like Italian seasoning or taco seasoning for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I use cream instead of milk?
A3: Yes, you can use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.

Q4: Can I make this recipe with ground sausage instead of beef?
A4: Yes! Ground sausage would give this dish a nice flavor boost. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, this pasta freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

Q6: Can I add extra cheese?
A6: Of course! Add more cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of parmesan for extra cheesiness.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Q9: Can I make this without meat?
A9: Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding in extra veggies or even a meat substitute like lentils or mushrooms.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little milk to bring the creamy sauce back to life.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a game-changer! It’s everything you want in a meal—creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and uses just one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re making it for dinner or serving it at a casual gathering, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

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