Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal made with ground beef, sharp cheddar, and classic ranch seasoning. It’s a quick and easy stovetop dinner perfect for busy weeknights, combining savory flavors with tender pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Stir in the beef broth, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender and the sauce thickens.
- Melt cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, cheesy one-pot meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in cooked bacon or diced jalapeños before serving.
- This dish can easily be made with ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to loosen it.
