If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that comes together with minimal fuss yet bursts with flavor, this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender pasta, rich cheddar, savory ground beef, and that unmistakable tang of ranch seasoning, all mingling beautifully in a creamy sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day and the perfect quick dinner to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you more time to enjoy the meal itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s magic. Each component plays its part in delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors — from the savory spiced beef to the creamy cheddar and zingy ranch that ties it all together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A light cooking fat that helps brown the beef beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that provides savory richness and satisfying texture.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce): Adds the signature tangy and herbaceous flavor ranch fans adore.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens flavor with subtle, savory undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory profile without needing fresh onions.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a hint of mild heat and sharpness to balance the creaminess.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and a meaty depth that infuses the pasta as it cooks.
- 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup: The creamy, cheesy foundation that makes this dish ultra-rich and comforting.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce slightly and helps everything meld into a smooth texture.
- 2 cups uncooked short pasta (like rotini or penne): Perfect shapes that hold onto the sauce and cook evenly in the pot.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star cheese to add gooey, melty layers of cheddar goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the plate and adds a subtle herbal note.
How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step forms the savory backbone of the dish, so make sure your beef gets a nice even color. If you see excess grease at the bottom, drain it to keep the final pasta sauce from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. These spices instantly pump up the flavor, giving the dish that signature tang and warmth. Mixing them with the hot beef allows the seasonings to release their aromas and coat every morsel evenly.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together so the pasta is fully submerged and coated with that cheesy broth. This is where the magic happens—the pasta will absorb all the savory liquid while cooking, swelling into tender, flavorful perfection.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the sauce thickens and the pasta softens just right. This step melds all the flavors together and creates a luscious, creamy consistency that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Stir in Cheddar Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully into the sauce. This final addition amplifies the richness and gives you that velvety smooth finish we all crave in comfort food. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken up even more before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a wonderful way to add a pop of green color and a subtle herbal brightness that balances the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, crispy fried onions or a light drizzle of hot sauce can add exciting texture and a hint of bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies such as broccoli or asparagus. The freshness of the sides cuts through the creamy sauce, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins with an extra sprinkle of cheese broiled on top until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, scoop it into bell peppers for a colorful, handheld option that’s perfect for a casual dinner or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so don’t worry if it looks dense at first—it will loosen up again when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to make it ahead and save for busy nights. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently so the pasta heats evenly without drying out. Using medium-low heat helps maintain that creamy texture that makes the dish so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner alternatives and still soak up all the delicious ranch and cheddar flavors beautifully. Just brown the meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rotini or penne are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, other short pasta shapes like shells, farfalle, or elbow macaroni will also work wonderfully. Just keep the cooking time in mind.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely. Throwing in steamed or sautéed broccoli, peas, or even diced bell peppers adds lovely color, texture, and nutrition to this comfort dish. Just stir them in toward the end to keep them vibrant and crisp-tender.
How spicy is the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default but you can easily add a kick by stirring in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste when adding the seasonings or cheese.
What can I substitute for the condensed cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, try making a quick cheese sauce from scratch using butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe is a total winner when you want something both simple and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that fits right into weeknight dinners yet feels special enough to serve any time you want to treat yourself and those you love. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished staple in your cooking rotation!
Print
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ground beef is browned and simmered with ranch seasoning, garlic, and onion powders, then cooked with pasta in a cheesy cheddar soup sauce. The result is a rich, flavorful skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Garnished with fresh parsley, this savory pasta dish blends classic American flavors with a convenient one-pot method for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked short pasta (like rotini or penne)
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks to avoid clumps. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the beef is evenly coated with the spices, enhancing the flavor base of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk. Add the uncooked pasta as well. Stir everything together until combined thoroughly to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the liquid and absorbs the cheese flavor.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy, adding richness to the sauce.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the pasta to sit for 2–3 minutes off heat to thicken further. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter alternative.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas to incorporate extra vegetables and nutrients.
- For a spicy twist, stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste.
