One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines the richness of cheddar cheese, the savory depth of beef, and the tangy zest of ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together effortlessly in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for a filling meal to serve at a gathering, this hearty pasta dish has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of a one-pot recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience, allowing you to throw everything into a single pot and let the magic happen.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about preparing this indulgent dish, from ingredient selection to cooking techniques, as well as offering variations to make this recipe your own.

Why One-Pot Recipes?

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a moment to consider why one-pot meals have become such a popular choice for home cooks:

• Convenience: The biggest benefit of a one-pot meal is, of course, convenience. With fewer dishes to wash, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.

• Flavor: Cooking everything in one pot allows the flavors to meld together, which means you get a more cohesive and richer taste in every bite.

• Time-Saving: One-pot meals typically require less attention and cook faster, making them ideal for busy days when you don’t have time to babysit multiple pots and pans.

• Less Cleanup: Fewer pots and pans mean you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to clean afterward. Simply rinse and wash the one pot you used for cooking.

Instructions for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Onion and Garlic: Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Set them aside. This will make it easier to sauté them later.

2. Measure Out the Broth and Milk: Measure out the beef broth and milk and set aside for easy access when you begin the cooking process.

3. Grate the Cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese if it isn’t pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and result in a creamier texture in the finished dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to get warm, but not smoking.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly, stirring occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly.

3. Season the Beef: As the beef cooks, season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. You can also add onion powder at this stage if you like more flavor. Stir to combine.

4. Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, if there is any excess fat, drain it off, but leave a small amount to keep the flavor. If you’re using lean ground beef, you might not need to do this step.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Garlic

1. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Continue sautéing for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become translucent.

2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Add the Broth, Milk, and Pasta

1. Add Beef Broth and Milk: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir well to combine. You’ll want to create a base for cooking the pasta and infusing it with flavor.

2. Stir in the Ranch Seasoning: Add the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix to the pot, and stir well to combine. This will give the dish its signature tangy, herby flavor.

3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the ranch seasoning doesn’t settle at the bottom of the pot.

4. Add the Pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Stir it in so that the pasta is evenly distributed in the liquid.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. Reduce the Heat: Once the pasta is added, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.

2. Stir Occasionally: Make sure to stir the pasta every 3-5 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will cook directly in the flavorful broth and milk mixture, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the beef, ranch seasoning, and garlic.

3. Adjust Liquid Levels: If the liquid is evaporating too quickly and the pasta is not yet tender, you can add a little more broth or milk, a small amount at a time.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

1. Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir it in until it’s melted and creamy.

2. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or even more ranch seasoning, depending on your preference.

3. Optional Add-ins: If you’re adding sour cream, peas, or any additional ingredients like crispy bacon bits, stir them in now, allowing everything to meld together.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Spoon the creamy, cheesy pasta into bowls or onto plates. The richness of the cheese, combined with the savory beef and ranch seasoning, creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

2. Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for added freshness and color. This will brighten the dish and add a slight crunch.

Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

1. Use Lean Beef: To make this dish a bit lighter, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Ground turkey is a great alternative and still provides excellent flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: One-pot pasta dishes cook quickly, so make sure to keep an eye on the pasta to prevent overcooking. You want the pasta al dente, not mushy.

3. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer, creamier dish, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking. This will give the sauce an even silkier texture.

4. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add some frozen peas, chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase the veggie content in the dish. These can be added in with the pasta to cook along with it.

5. Storage and Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick.

6. Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce as it simmers.

Variations of One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

1. Beef and Bacon Ranch Pasta: Add crispy bacon to the dish either by crumbling it on top after serving or stirring it in with the pasta for an added smoky, crispy texture.

2. Chicken Version: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter variation. You can still follow the same process, adjusting cooking times for the chicken.

3. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and replace it with vegetarian crumbles or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a plant-based version.

4. Buffalo Ranch Beef Pasta: Add buffalo sauce to the ranch seasoning mix for a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who love the heat!

5. Cheesy Ranch Pasta with Sausage: Swap out the beef for Italian sausage for a more flavorful, savory dish. The sausage will bring a whole new layer of richness to the pasta.

Conclusion

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is an easy-to-make, rich, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy sauce, hearty beef, and savory ranch seasoning, it’s a perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal, a weekend gathering, or a quick meal prep option, this one-pot wonder checks all the boxes for a satisfying dish.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and variations, go ahead and make this mouthwatering pasta for your next meal. You’ll love how easy it is, and your taste buds will thank you!

Yield: 4-6

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Print

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines the richness of cheddar cheese, the savory depth of beef, and the tangy zest of ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together effortlessly in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade)
• 8 oz pasta (such as rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  

2. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
  
• Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, mixing everything together to evenly coat the beef and onions.
  

3. Cook the Pasta:

• Add the pasta, beef broth, and milk to the pot. Stir to combine.
  
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  

4. Add the Cheese and Cream:

• Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  
• If desired, add sour cream to make the dish even creamier.
  
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  

5. Serve:

• Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.