Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered with ranch seasoning, beef broth, and pasta to create a creamy, cheesy meal that comes together in just one pot. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty and easy main course with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and the dry ranch seasoning mix to the beef and onion. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the flavors and toast the seasonings slightly.
- Combine Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the cooking liquid absorbed by the end of this step.
- Finish with Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the pasta hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end along with the cheese.
- Use your favorite pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni to suit your preference.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
