If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss, look no further than this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you effortlessly create a creamy pasta dinner packed with hearty ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and the tangy, savory notes of ranch seasoning. Best of all, it all cooks in a single pot, saving time on cleanup without skimping on flavor or texture. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish both easy and delicious. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing creaminess, depth of flavor, or the perfect pasta bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible meal:
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking while browning the beef.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes the dish so satisfying.
- Small onion, diced: Provides a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- Beef broth: Builds a rich, savory foundation for the sauce.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds creamy, cheesy goodness and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Milk: Smooths out the sauce for a silky texture.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Brings a tangy, herby punch that sets this pasta apart.
- Short pasta (penne or rotini): The ideal shape to catch the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into luscious pockets of cheesy delight.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful garnish for brightness.
How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This step builds rich flavor through caramelization that will deepen the taste of the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your beef is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and releases its natural sweetness. This step is essential to layering the flavors and making your pasta sauce incredibly tasty.
Step 3: Combine the Liquids and Seasoning
Drain any excess fat if necessary, then pour in the beef broth, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir everything together. Bring this flavorful base to a gentle simmer on medium heat so all the ingredients blend perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now add the uncooked short pasta directly into the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, letting the pasta cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the pasta absorb the creamy sauce as it tenderizes.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted, creating a luxuriously smooth and cheesy sauce that envelops every piece of pasta.
How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a pop of green color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or crispy bacon bits also bring wonderful texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but for a more rounded meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also lovely companions to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, dish the pasta into individual bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar or a swirl of sour cream. You can also bake the dish briefly with an additional cheese layer on top for a bubbly, golden crust that changes up the texture perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, transfer cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, but the cheesy, beefy flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative and will still complement the cheddar and ranch seasoning perfectly.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal since they hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While the dish relies on cheddar cheese and soup for its signature creaminess, you can try dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes, but the texture and flavor will be different from the original.
How can I add more spice to this pasta?
Try stirring in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give the dish a welcomed kick without overpowering the creamy richness.
Can I prepare this ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe freezes well, making it a convenient option for prepping meals in advance.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe is a true kitchen hero: quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding family and friends any night of the week. It’s creamy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, bringing a cozy, homemade feel without the fuss. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This comforting One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a quick and easy meal that combines ground beef, zesty ranch seasoning, and creamy cheddar cheese in a rich sauce with tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty American main course is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Seasoning and Pasta
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
Optional Garnish
- 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 until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Mix Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Pasta and Cook: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta for a fresh touch. Serve the dish warm for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, stir in a handful of cooked bacon or diced jalapeños before serving.
- This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
