One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. This creamy pasta dish brings together seasoned ground beef, ranch seasoning, and sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked conveniently in a single pot for easy cleanup and quick preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
One-Pot Convenience: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor make this perfect for busy weeknights.
-
Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cheddar and ranch creates a tangy, satisfying sauce.
-
Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and hearty enough to feed a crowd.
-
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different pasta shapes, cheese types, or added vegetables.
-
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cups beef broth
-
1 cup milk
-
8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt and pepper (to taste)
directions
-
Brown the Beef
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. -
Add Liquid and Seasoning
Stir in the beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning, and dry pasta. Mix well to combine. -
Simmer the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. -
Finish with Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. -
Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
Yield: Serves 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
-
Loaded Version: Stir in cooked bacon bits, peas, or broccoli for a more complete meal.
-
Cheese Blend: Replace some of the cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a new flavor twist.
-
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef for a leaner protein alternative.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir well to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or elbow macaroni works well in this recipe.
Is this dish very rich?
It is creamy and cheesy but balanced with ranch seasoning for a tangy finish. You can reduce the cheese slightly if you prefer a lighter version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but you can mix in other melty cheeses like Colby or mozzarella.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Absolutely. Mix dried parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create your own ranch blend.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the pasta.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients proportionally and use a large enough pot to accommodate the volume.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom?
Stir occasionally during cooking to keep the pasta moving and prevent it from settling and sticking.
Is this freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat with added milk or broth.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat for a hearty vegetarian version.
Conclusion
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a satisfying, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy families or anyone seeking a quick, comfort-filled meal. Creamy, cheesy, and easy to make, it’s sure to become a regular on your weeknight dinner menu. With endless variations and minimal cleanup, this is a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Print
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—savory ground beef, tender pasta, tangy ranch seasoning, and gooey cheddar all come together in one easy, flavorful skillet. Comfort food made quick and creamy!
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cups beef broth
-
1 cup milk
-
8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Beef and Onion:
-
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
-
-
Add Liquids and Pasta:
-
Stir in beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning mix, and pasta.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
-
-
Add Cheese:
-
Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
-
-
Serve:
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
-
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
