Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is browned with onions, then combined with ranch seasoning, pasta, and liquids to simmer until tender. Finally, sharp cheddar cheese is stirred in to create a delicious, cheesy finish all cooked in just one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning mix, and uncooked pasta. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and beef mixture.
- Season & Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot. For an optional garnish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top to add a fresh flavor and appealing color.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne pasta for best results, as they hold the sauce well.
- For a creamier texture, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and skim milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
