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