If you’re craving something that’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, look no further than this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that will make you want to dig in and never look back—perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you need a hearty, no-fuss meal. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, so clean-up is a breeze! Ready to dive into this cheesy, savory goodness? Let’s get cooking!

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

This dish is all about convenience, comfort, and bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Here’s why it’s a winner:

One-Pot Wonder: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans! This dish comes together in one pot, making it easy and stress-free. Plus, less clean-up afterward? Yes, please.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of beef, cheddar, and ranch is a match made in heaven. The cheesy sauce coats every noodle, making every bite creamy and delicious.
Quick and Simple: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something amazing. This recipe is designed to come together quickly and easily, with minimal prep and cooking time.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. Everyone loves a cheesy, hearty pasta dish, and this one is no exception.
Customizable: Want to kick it up a notch? Add some chopped veggies, extra seasonings, or even swap in a different type of cheese. It’s versatile and adaptable to your taste.

Ingredients in One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, savory pasta dish:

Ground Beef: The rich, savory flavor of the beef forms the heart of this dish, giving it that delicious, comforting taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar cheese adds the perfect creamy texture and flavor. Trust me, the cheese is the star here.
Ranch Seasoning: This is what really ties everything together with its tangy, herby flavor. It brings a burst of flavor that makes the dish feel like comfort food.
Pasta: Use a short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. It holds the creamy sauce perfectly and makes for a hearty bite.
Garlic: Adds a lovely aromatic base to the dish that complements the beef and cheese.
Cream: For that luscious, creamy sauce that makes every bite indulgent.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta, infusing it with rich flavor.
Butter: A little butter goes a long way in adding richness and helping the sauce come together beautifully.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time:

Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. This step builds flavor right from the start.
Add the Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, and stir in the pasta. Bring to a simmer and let it cook, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Cream and Ranch Seasoning: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream and ranch seasoning. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta.
Stir in the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that covers the pasta.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is combined and the cheese is melted, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few sides to elevate the meal:

Crisp Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment.
Steamed Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a light, nutritious side to complement the cheesy pasta.
Roasted Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, roasted potatoes make a great side that’s sure to fill you up.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Add Veggies: Sneak in some veggies for added nutrition. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well in this dish.
Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make It Lighter: Swap the cream for a lighter milk or half-and-half for a less indulgent option. You can also use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any short pasta will work, such as elbow macaroni, fusilli, or bowtie pasta.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a bit of cream.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Feel free to double the recipe for a larger crowd or to have leftovers for later.
Q7: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A7: Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner version of this dish.
Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A8: Sure! If you prefer a different cheese, try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses for a different twist.
Q9: Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
A9: You can swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Q10: Can I add some extra veggies to this dish?
A10: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be great additions.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a game-changer—cheesy, hearty, and so easy to make. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or need a quick meal for the family, this dish will hit the spot. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! With tender pasta, ground beef, and ranch seasoning, it’s the perfect comforting meal. Plus, it’s made in just one pot for easy cleanup!

Instructions

Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
Add Liquids and Pasta:
- Stir in the beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Finish the Dish:
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra creaminess, add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
You can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Top with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs for garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 500
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70 mg