Description

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dinner that combines lean ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory ranch seasoning cooked all in one pot. Designed for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for the whole family. With minimal cleanup and flexible ingredient options, this recipe delivers a satisfying, fuss-free meal that balances convenience and taste perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Liquids

2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based for dairy-free)

Cheese and Seasoning

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and fragrant, breaking the meat apart as it cooks and the onions are softened.
Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Mix everything well to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in Cheese and Butter: Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese and butter. Stir until melted, creamy, and smooth, blending all the cheesy flavors into a rich sauce.
Final Touches and Serve: Give the pasta a final stir to ensure even coating and warmth. Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; remove from heat when al dente to prevent mushiness.
Using sharp cheddar ensures the best flavor and smooth melting.
Sauté the garlic and onions first to unlock richer flavors.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen without diluting the taste.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken and bind flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: one-pot, beef pasta, cheddar pasta, ranch seasoning, quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy dinner, family friendly, weeknight meal