A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made in just one pot, combining ground beef, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean. The rich cheddar sauce, tender pasta, and savory ranch-flavored beef create a delicious combination that never fails to please. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and packed with comforting flavors I crave again and again.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced (about ½ cup)
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 8 oz (225 g) uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or other short pasta)
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the uncooked pasta, stir well, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately while hot.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
I like adding vegetables such as peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
When I want a different flavor, I use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
For a spicy version, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
Using gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese works great if I’m making it for someone with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to make the sauce creamy again. If using a microwave, I heat it in 30-second intervals and stir in between until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, I can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor and texture.
2. What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the sauce perfectly and cook evenly in one pot.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, I can cook it in advance and reheat it before serving. Just add a bit of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
4. Is the ranch seasoning necessary?
The ranch seasoning gives this pasta its signature flavor, but I can make my own mix with garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and salt if I don’t have a packet.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove with a little extra liquid for the best texture.
Conclusion
This one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta is one of my favorite go-to dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, all made in a single pot with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comfort food satisfaction every time with hardly any cleanup.
A creamy, comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and tender pasta — ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced (about ½ cup)
2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
1 cup (240 ml) milk
8 oz (225 g) uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or other short pasta)
1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in ranch seasoning mix and bring to a gentle boil.
Add uncooked pasta, stir, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.
Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese for dietary needs.
Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for flavor variation.
