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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Enhance the meat mixture with ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, thoroughly distributing spices throughout the protein.
- Create a unified cooking environment by introducing beef broth, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet.
- 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.
- Transform the dish’s texture by smoothly integrating heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until a luxurious, velvety consistency emerges.
- Allow the mixture to simmer an additional 2-3 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Elevate the final presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and optional crispy bacon crumbles.
- 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