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
Scale
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.
