If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe. It’s a glorious mix of hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with ranch seasoning. Best of all, it all comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and dinner time stress-free. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this dish guarantees smiles and full plates with every satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the first step toward whipping up this crowd-pleaser. Each item plays a key role, from building the rich base of flavor to delivering that irresistible creamy and cheesy texture that makes this pasta dish unforgettable.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a rich, savory flavor foundation.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a tender bite that complements the beef perfectly.
- Beef broth: Builds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta in one pot.
- Milk: Creates a creamy texture, balancing the savory beef and tangy ranch.
- Uncooked pasta (rotini or penne): Holds onto the sauce beautifully while offering a satisfying bite.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Brings that signature herby, tangy kick that ties the whole dish together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and onions, introducing a subtle fruity undertone.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef loses its pink and the onion softens. This step creates a flavorful base, so take your time and be sure to drain any excess fat to keep things from getting too greasy.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
Now for the magic in one pot: pour in the beef broth and milk, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, then add your dry pasta. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a rolling boil. This starts the process of infusing the pasta with that savory, creamy ranch flavor while beginning to cook it perfectly within the pot.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Lower the heat to let the mixture simmer, covered, for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Check the pasta for tenderness—it should be soft but not mushy, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt seamlessly into the mix, thickening and creamy the sauce to perfection. This final cheesy flourish is what transforms the dish into a comforting masterpiece.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before plating, taste and season with salt and pepper as you like—it’s the finishing touch that elevates every bite. Serve your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions adds visual appeal and a gentle herbal brightness that complements the creamy, cheesy backbone of the dish. A light dusting of extra cheddar or a splash of hot sauce can also add extra flair if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is rich and filling, pairing it with lighter sides is ideal. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli to balance the meal. Garlic breadsticks or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic companions, soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions that stay warm longer at the table. You can also turn it into a baked casserole by transferring the cooked mixture into a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly. Either way, presentation adds to the experience of this delightful One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s one pot, reheating is simple—just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
The One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe freezes well too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta over low heat on the stove or in intervals in the microwave. Add a little milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce and stir frequently to prevent sticking. This ensures the dish stays just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne are perfect for holding the sauce, you can use other short pasta shapes like fusilli or shells. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes! You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for beef and use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this in advance and reheat it later?
Definitely. The One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe is just as tasty when reheated. Store leftovers in the fridge and gently warm them up with a splash of liquid to keep it creamy.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This homemade mix will still give you that signature ranch flavor.
Can I add vegetables directly into the pot?
For sure! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas in step 2 works well. Just make sure to adjust the simmering time slightly to allow veggies to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s incredibly easy to make, full of cozy flavors, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing friends without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite, just like I was!
Print
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with onions, then cooked with pasta, beef broth, milk, and ranch seasoning until tender. Finished with melted sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, flavorful dish that requires minimal cleanup and only one pot.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef mixture.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for an even richer dish.
- Use rotini or penne pasta as recommended; avoid very thin pastas as they may overcook and become mushy.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or turkey and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- Adding a handful of steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas can boost the nutritional value and add color.
