Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Hearty beef mingles with creamy cheese and zesty ranch seasoning for an irresistible meal.

Busy home cooks can rejoice in the simplicity of preparing this dish with minimal cleanup.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in every single bite.

The kitchen becomes your playground as you effortlessly blend tender pasta with savory meat and rich cheddar.

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy kick that takes this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You won’t believe how quickly this crowd-pleasing meal comes together in just one skillet.

Prepare to fall in love with the easiest dinner solution that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta: Why It Works

• Combine hearty ground beef, zesty ranch seasoning, spicy green chilies, and melty cheddar cheese for a mouthwatering meal that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Kids and adults will love this creamy, cheesy pasta dish that sneaks in protein and bold flavors without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.

Gather These for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Ground Beef: Core protein that gives hearty flavor and satisfying texture, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Bacon: Optional crispy topping that adds smoky crunch and extra richness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and provides creamy, tangy flavor, sharp varieties work best.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky sauce base that helps cheese blend and adds luxurious texture.

• Pasta: Holds sauce and adds substantial base to the dish, medium shells or rotini work great.
• Beef Broth: Provides liquid for cooking pasta and deepens overall meat flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture, slight heat, and brightness to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide depth and aroma.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté beef and vegetables with smooth, light flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings zesty herbal notes and signature ranch taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky undertone and warm complexity.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh finish to the dish.

Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta in Minutes

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat
• Add ground beef and cook until completely browned
• Toss in diced onions and minced garlic
• Sauté for additional 2 minutes until vegetables soften
• Sprinkle in seasonings
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Ranch seasoning mix

Step 2: Create One-Pot Pasta Base

• Pour in beef broth
• Add diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Drop in uncooked pasta
• Stir ingredients thoroughly
• Bring mixture to gentle boil
• Reduce heat to low
• Cover skillet
• Simmer for 12-15 minutes
• Stir occasionally
• Check pasta for tender texture

Step 3: Transform into Creamy Cheesy Dish

• Stream heavy cream into pasta
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese
• Stir until sauce becomes smooth and creamy
• Allow mixture to simmer for additional 2 minutes
• Taste and adjust seasonings as desired

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Top with chopped fresh parsley
• Garnish with crumbled bacon
• Serve immediately while hot
• Enjoy delicious comfort meal

Smart Tips for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Customize Beef Tenderness: Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Clean-Up Trick: Choose a deep skillet with high sides to prevent splashing and minimize washing multiple pots.
• Boost Ranch Flavor: Add an extra tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix for a more intense, tangy ranch profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Dial Down the Heat: Swap diced tomatoes with green chilies for regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder version that's kid-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant diners.

Save and Heat One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze flat in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta With These

• Craft beer with hoppy notes cuts through the richness of beef and creates delightful flavor contrast.
• Chilled sauvignon blanc offers crisp acidity that balances the creamy, bold pasta elements.
• Sparkling water with lemon provides refreshing palate cleanser between hearty bites of cheesy pasta.
• Red zinfandel with robust berry undertones harmonizes with the smoky bacon and spiced beef notes.

Change Up One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option that cuts carbohydrates and adds vegetable nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a meatless protein-rich meal that maintains the dish's hearty flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to create a creamy texture for lactose-intolerant eaters.

Questions About One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• What makes this one-pot pasta unique?

This recipe combines classic comfort food elements like ground beef, pasta, and cheese with the tangy flavor of ranch seasoning, creating a quick and delicious meal in just one pot.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can easily use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat as alternatives to beef while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

• Is ranch seasoning mix necessary for this recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a distinctive flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley to achieve a similar taste.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference.

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta promises a flavor explosion of creamy, hearty goodness. Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup make this meal a weeknight champion for hungry families craving delicious, satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein foundation by searing ground beef in a spacious, deep skillet over medium-high temperature until rich brown coloration develops, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Enhance the meat mixture with ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, thoroughly distributing spices throughout the protein.
4. Create a unified cooking environment by introducing beef broth, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet.
5. Initiate a gentle boiling process, then immediately reduce thermal intensity to low, covering the skillet to allow ingredients to meld and pasta to tenderize, stirring periodically during 12-14 minute cooking duration.
6. Transform the dish’s texture by smoothly integrating heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until a luxurious, velvety consistency emerges.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer an additional 2-3 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Elevate the final presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and optional crispy bacon crumbles.
9. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the recipe’s bold flavor profile.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using chickpea or gluten-free pasta, ensuring no compromise on texture or taste.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium beef broth and ranch seasoning mix, perfect for health-conscious individuals watching salt intake.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing this dish ahead and storing in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg