Cozy Hearty One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Comfort arrives in a single pot with this creamy beef and cheddar ranch pasta that promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Families adore how quickly this meal comes together on busy weeknights.

Savory ground beef blends seamlessly with sharp cheddar cheese and tangy ranch seasoning.

Each forkful delivers rich, creamy goodness that warms you from the inside out.

The combination of robust flavors creates a meal everyone will request again and again.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible dinner that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing pasta and watch smiles spread around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein base and rich meaty flavor for the dish.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation to the overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Brings pungent, sharp undertones that complement beef's richness.

• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavor components.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthy warmth to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky complexity and vibrant reddish color.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers tangy, herbal notes that elevate the entire recipe.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and intensifies savory meat undertones.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings bright acidity and subtle spicy kick.
• Uncooked Pasta: Serves as hearty base that absorbs surrounding flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious, silky texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp cheesy goodness throughout dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, green brightness and visual appeal.
• Bacon: Introduces crispy, smoky element for extra indulgence.

Tools for Mixing One-Pot Beef Cheddar Pasta Smoothly

• Large Deep Skillet or Pot: Essential for cooking beef and creating the one-pot pasta dish, with enough space to mix all ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring beef, mixing ingredients, and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley garnish.
• Colander (optional): Can help drain excess liquid if needed.

How to Make Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta in One Pot

• Brown Hearty Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a deep skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their aromatic flavors. Sprinkle in a zesty blend of ranch seasoning, salt, and smoky spices to wake up your taste buds.

• Create Creamy One-Pot Magic

Splash in rich beef broth and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. Drop uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Let everything bubble and simmer under a cozy lid, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

• Transform with Cheesy Goodness

Drizzle in velvety cream and shower with sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy. Allow the flavors to mingle and celebrate for a few delightful moments.

• Finish with Fabulous Flair

Sprinkle with fresh green parsley and crispy bacon bits. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Add-Ins That Go Well With Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of extra broth to restore creamy texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different protein options. Each alternative brings unique flavor profiles.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a sharp white cheddar to elevate the dish's richness.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or brown rice pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during beef cooking stage to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.

How to Serve One-Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table with hearty, comforting flavors.
• Fresh Garnish Upgrade: Top with chopped green onions, extra bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to add exciting texture and tangy richness.
• Game Night Companion: Pair with crisp green salad, garlic bread, or quick roasted vegetables to create a complete meal that satisfies hungry crowds.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight container for 3-4 days, gently reheat with splash of broth to maintain creamy consistency and revive delicious ranch-infused taste.

Leftover Tips for One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers, keeping fresh in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cooling completely prevents bacteria growth and maintains optimal texture.
• Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Will maintain quality for up to 2 months when sealed properly. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding small splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent pasta from becoming dry or clumpy.
• Divide into individual meal-prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Use glass containers for better heat distribution and easier cleaning. Label with date to track freshness.

Hearty One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta delivers comfort with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Creamy cheese, savory beef, and zesty ranch seasoning blend seamlessly, promising you a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (10 oz / 280 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (1 oz / 28 g) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear and Flavor Protein: Ignite olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Introduce ground beef, rendering it into rich, caramelized fragments. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, infusing aromatic depth. Lavish with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ranch seasoning for robust flavor profile.
2. Liquid Integration and Pasta Infusion: Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies directly into the skillet. Cascade uncooked pasta into the liquid landscape, ensuring complete submersion. Escalate to a gentle boil, then reduce thermal intensity. Seal with a lid, allowing ingredients to harmonize and pasta to tenderize for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently.
3. Creamy Cheese Transformation: Swirl heavy cream into the vessel, followed by cascading shredded cheddar cheese. Gently manipulate until sauce achieves silky, uniform consistency. Allow brief simmering to meld flavors and textures seamlessly. Calibrate seasoning through careful tasting.
4. Finishing and Presentation: Embellish with verdant parsley sprigs and optional crisp bacon fragments. Transfer immediately to serving dishes, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and vibrancy.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is browned deeply for maximum flavor development, breaking it into small crumbles to create a rich, caramelized texture.
• Watch pasta closely during simmering to prevent overcooking or drying out, stirring occasionally and adding extra broth if needed for perfect consistency.
• Remove pan from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation, stirring gently until smooth and creamy for a silky ranch sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly meal, or substitute dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant diets.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg