This one-pot wonder brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, the tang of ranch seasoning, and the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese, all cooked with pasta in a single pot. It’s a family-friendly meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Hearty One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Dinners
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 12 oz pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef & Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure it’s submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese & Milk: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk (or half-and-half) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
