This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cleanup, you get a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, sharp cheddar, and the zesty punch of ranch seasoning in a creamy, rich sauce that will leave everyone wanting seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple and Fast: Quick to make and easy to clean up—perfect for hectic evenings.
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One-Pot Convenience: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax.
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Bold Flavors: Ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and beef create a satisfying combo.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap proteins, or spice it up.
ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ground beef
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small onion, diced
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beef broth
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milk
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pasta (rotini or penne work well)
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ranch seasoning mix
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shredded cheddar cheese
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olive oil
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salt and pepper, to taste
directions
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Brown 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 soft. Drain excess fat.
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Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
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Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley or green onions.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Make it Veggie: Swap the beef for mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
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Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Use a Different Cheese: Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be great substitutes for cheddar.
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Spice it Up: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes adds heat.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the pasta may soften. Thaw and reheat with added milk or broth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used for a milder or stretchier texture.
Can I substitute the ranch seasoning?
If you're out of ranch seasoning, mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley for a DIY version.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, but expect a softer pasta texture. Reheat with milk for best results.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
What pasta shape works best?
Shells, penne, or fusilli work great because they hold the sauce well.
Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to bring up the heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles for a different flavor or dietary need.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and prep the ingredients in advance to save time later.
What’s the best pot to use?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet is ideal for even cooking and space to stir.
Conclusion
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a cozy, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner option you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you're cooking for your family or need a quick comfort meal, this creamy dish checks all the boxes—hearty, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Try it once, and it'll become a weeknight staple in your home.
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the ultimate 30-minute comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining ground beef, tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch seasoning, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Quick, cheesy, and family-approved—this one-pot pasta will be your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
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Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat or mushrooms.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a twist.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Make Ahead: Brown the beef and prep ingredients in advance for quicker cooking.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze if needed (pasta may soften).
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
