The Cheesy Cowboy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta promises maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack serious punch.

Creamy ranch seasoning blends perfectly with rich beef and melty cheddar cheese.

Home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

Ranch lovers will appreciate this comfort food classic that streamlines cooking from start to finish.

Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing dish sure to satisfy hungry appetites.

Dive into a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you’ll crave again and again.

Why One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Is a Hit

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dirty dishes, making dinner preparation a breeze with minimal cleanup required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: The tangy ranch seasoning paired with rich cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste that both kids and adults will love, making mealtime a guaranteed success.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: From start to finish, this pasta dish delivers a hearty, protein-packed dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra vegetables like peas or spinach, or swap ground beef for ground turkey to suit your family's preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich meaty texture and protein to the dish.

• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth sauce for the pasta.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy flavor and melts into a creamy, luxurious coating.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the dish.
• Ranch Seasoning: Delivers a zesty, herbal flavor profile that complements the beef.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the pasta.

• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Pasta: The hearty foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce and makes the meal filling.

How to Cook One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef and Onions

In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and chopped onions, letting them dance and brown together.

Cook until the beef turns a rich, deep color and the onions become soft and translucent. Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create Creamy Ranch Pasta Base

Pour in beef broth, milk, and sprinkle ranch seasoning over the beef mixture. Add pasta and stir everything together.

Crank up the heat until the liquid bubbles enthusiastically, then lower it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Wait 10-12 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and has soaked up all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Pull the pot off the heat and introduce shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir vigorously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats every single pasta piece. The cheese will transform the dish into a velvety, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a final gentle stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is still gloriously melted. Enjoy this quick, satisfying one-pot wonder that brings together the best flavors of beef, ranch, and cheese.

Tips for the Best One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Pasta

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
• Choose full-fat milk for a richer, creamier pasta texture that enhances overall flavor.
• Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring occasionally and maintaining a gentle simmer throughout cooking.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and better taste.
• Add extra ranch seasoning gradually to control the intensity of flavor and adjust to personal preference.

Variations to Customize One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify ranch seasoning is gluten-free. Replace regular milk with almond or lactose-free milk for dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream instead of milk for added richness and reduced carbohydrates.

What to Pair with One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light ranch dressing to complement the rich, creamy pasta.
• Create Zesty Side of Roasted Vegetables: Prepare quick roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a crunchy, nutritious balance to the cheesy beef pasta.
• Select Bold Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Pour Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that offers enough complexity to stand up to the robust flavors of the beef and cheddar ranch pasta.

How to Store Leftover Beef and Cheddar Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

You can create a homemade ranch seasoning by mixing dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy pasta and mild ranch flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike. Kids typically love this comforting one-pot meal.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

One-Pot Beef And Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta brings hearty midwest flavors directly to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines ground beef and ranch seasoning for a quick family meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (rotini or penne)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef and diced onions in a large pot over medium heat until meat browns and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Eliminate excess grease from the pot to ensure a clean, rich flavor base.
3. Pour beef broth, milk, and ranch seasoning into the pot, creating a savory liquid foundation for the pasta.
4. Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring all pasta is submerged.
5. Elevate heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover the pot and allow contents to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking.
7. Verify pasta has reached optimal tenderness by testing a piece – it should be soft yet retain a slight bite.
8. Remove pot from heat source and immediately incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Serve piping hot, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nutritional boost, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Consider swapping ranch seasoning with homemade mix to control sodium and preservative levels.
• Replace milk and cheddar with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg