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
