One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that comes together in just one pan. Featuring tender ground beef, rich cheddar cheese, and a zesty ranch seasoning blend, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, hearty, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for a stress-free meal.
- Cheesy and Flavorful – The perfect mix of creamy cheese and ranch seasoning.
- Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Great for Leftovers – Reheats well for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Small pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Butter
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Beef – In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic – Add butter, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta – Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender – Reduce heat and let cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Melt the Cheese – Stir in shredded cheddar and cream cheese (if using) until smooth.
- Season and Serve – Add black pepper and red pepper flakes (if desired). Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Option – Use ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat cheese.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Different Cheese – Try pepper jack or gouda for a twist.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and check the ranch seasoning ingredients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce best.
Can I make this dish without ranch seasoning?
You can make a homemade mix using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add extra broth or milk if needed while cooking.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for the beef, then cook under pressure for 4 minutes.
What sides go well with this dish?
A simple side salad or roasted veggies pair perfectly.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Yes! Crispy bacon bits make a great addition.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy ranch flavor is a hit with kids.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoother.
How do I make this extra creamy?
Add a little more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Conclusion
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes!
Print
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for busy nights. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich cheddar ranch sauce come together in one pot for a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ranch seasoning mix.
2. Cook the Pasta in One Pot:
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and uncooked pasta. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
3. Add the Cheesy Ranch Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes, allowing everything to blend together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled bacon (if using).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup sour cream for even more richness.
- Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.