One-Pot Beef & Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Hey, pal, this one is going to be great for you! Imagine a delicious, cheesy pasta meal with beef, a splash of tangy ranch, and all the creamy comfort you want, all made in one pot. Yes, ONE pot—who has time for extra dishes, right? This dish will save your life on busy weeknights, and everyone at the table will say, “Wow, this is amazing!” So, get your pot and let’s make some magic in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Beef & Cheddar Ranch Pasta in a Pot

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful One-Pot Beef & Cheddar Ranch Pasta! Perfect for hectic weeknights, this recipe blends delicate pasta, savory ground beef, and a spicy ranch spice into one tempting dish. With minimum cleanup, it’s likely to be a family favorite!

Easy and Quick: It takes less than an hour from start to finish to get on the table. Little work, lots of taste.
One-Pot Wonder: Less work and fewer dishes. For the most convenience, everything cooks in one pot.
Flavor Explosion: Savory meat, melty cheddar, and zesty ranch dressing make this a flavor explosion. You’ll love this flavor trifecta.
This recipe is sure to please everyone, from finicky kids to adults who love sophisticated food.
You may easily add vegetables, change the seasoning, or make it spicy to fit your tastes.

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
Two cups of beef broth
1 cup of milk
8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain extra fat.
Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and macaroni. Bring to a boil, then decrease heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically, until pasta is cooked.
Remove from heat and toss in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

For extra taste, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
You can replace ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to suit your taste preference.

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

With a Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or mixed green salad works well.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any remaining cheesy sauce.
As-Is: To be honest, this dish is so filling and tasty that it doesn’t need anything extra!

More Advice

Make it vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Add spinach, peas, or sliced bell peppers to the dish at the end of cooking to make it healthier.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Storage: Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of milk to recover the creamy smoothness.
Double the Batch: Great for meal prep or serving a crowd.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different cheese?: A1: Absolutely! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack would be wonderful options.
Q2: Can I swap the ranch seasoning?: A2: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, try a blend of dry dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
Q3: Is this dish freezer-friendly?: A3: It can be frozen, although the texture of the pasta can soften. Reheat gently and add a little milk to freshen.
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?: A4: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free also.
Q5: What’s the optimal pasta shape for this recipe?: A5: Shells, penne, or fusilli work excellent as they hold the sauce well.
Q6: Can I make it spicier?: A6: Add cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy bite.
Q7: Can I make it dairy-free?: A7: Yes! Use plant-based milk and cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Q8: What protein substitutes may I use?: A8: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles are wonderful possibilities.
Q9: Can I prepare it ahead of time?: A9: Cook the beef and chop the veggies in advance. Assemble and cook when ready to serve.
Q10: What cookware works best?: A10: A large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan facilitates even cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 dish
Calories: ~450 kcal
Sugar: ~4 g
Sodium: ~950 mg
Fat: about 22 g
Saturated fat: about 10 g
Unsaturated fat: about 10 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Carbs: about 40 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Protein: ~28 g
Cholesterol: ~80 mg

What You Need

Pasta: The filling base that takes in all the great tastes. Choose shells, penne, or any other form you like.

Ground Beef: The main part of the recipe, it is rich and flavorful. Choose lean ground beef to get a good mix of flavors.

Cheddar Cheese: The creamy, gooey richness that makes everything taste better. It tastes even better with sharp cheddar.

Ranch seasoning: The secret to that herby, sour kick. This is the element that makes this spaghetti go from good to great.

Chicken broth: adds flavor and helps the pasta cook to the right level of tenderness.

Milk: To make things creamy and balanced. Whole milk works best, but you can use what you have.

Butter: A touch of richness to enhance every taste.

Onion: For a gentle sweetness and fragrant basis.

Garlic: Because what’s a comfort food without that garlicky goodness?

Step-by-Step

Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add the ground meat and heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any extra grease.
Sauté the Aromatics: Toss in the onion and garlic, stirring until they’re soft and fragrant. This step gives a tasty foundation for your dish.
Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Give it a thorough toss to deglaze the pot, ensuring sure all those lovely browned pieces are absorbed.
Stir in the Pasta and Seasoning: Add the noodles and sprinkle in the ranch seasoning. Mix well, ensuring every piece of spaghetti gets coated in the tasty liquid.
Cook the Pasta: Bring everything to a boil, then decrease the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring periodically, until the pasta is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Melt in the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Watch as it transforms the dish into a creamy, delicious beauty.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the pasta into bowls, top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and dive in!