Whip up a creamy, cheesy dinner in minutes with this easy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. This dish is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich cheddar cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning all cooked together in one pot. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a hearty meal without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Prep: Just one pot means less washing and fuss, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich and Creamy Flavor: The cheddar and ranch combine to create a comforting, cheesy sauce that’s irresistible.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable with pantry staples and fresh additions to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 30 minutes for a fast, satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a hearty, cheesy dinner. Each plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to make this dish filling.
Uncooked Pasta: Choose elbow macaroni or shells to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The secret weapon that brings bold, tangy flavor with just a sprinkle.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, it melts into the sauce, giving that signature cheesy richness.
Milk: Helps create a creamy sauce that coats every noodle and bite.
Beef Broth: Adds depth to the dish and keeps the pasta moist as it cooks.
Onion and Garlic: Build a savory base that infuses the entire meal with flavor.
Butter or Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and aromatics, boosting richness.

Variations for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Feel free to make this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta your own. Whether you’re looking to switch up ingredients, cater to dietary needs, or simply try new flavors, these variations are easy to customize and keep things exciting.

Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Cheese Swap: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to vary the cheese profile.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Easy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly, stirring frequently. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Combine Liquids and Seasoning

Pour in the beef broth and milk, then sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for small shapes that cook evenly and soak up sauce well for best results.
Stir Often: To prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom, give the pot a good stir every few minutes while simmering.
Fresh Cheese Finish: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded to ensure smooth melting and no clumps.
Adjust Liquid Levels: Depending on pasta type and brand, you may need to add a splash more broth or milk during cooking.
Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pasta to sit covered for a couple of minutes to thicken up the sauce.

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Garnishes

Brighten up your dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions sprinkled on top. A pinch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty pasta with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or garlic breadsticks to balance the creamy richness and create a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta in individual ramekins topped with a cheese crust under the broiler or layer with crispy bacon bits for a fun twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm the pasta over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently and adding a little liquid if it’s too thick. Microwave reheating works, but be sure to cover and stir midway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, mozzarella or pepper jack can add a different flavor profile and texture to the dish.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta after cooking. Just be sure to thaw it properly before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a meat-free version.

How spicy is the ranch seasoning?

Ranch seasoning is generally mild and creamy with herbs and garlic, but you can add spices like chili powder or cayenne if you want extra heat.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No pre-cooking necessary! The uncooked pasta cooks perfectly in the pot with the liquids, absorbing all the flavors as it softens.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a true life-saver on hectic evenings, delivering warm, cheesy comfort in minutes. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your go-to weeknight dinners – your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Print Recipe

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a quick, creamy, and cheesy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Adaptable (Gluten-Free if using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

1 lb ground beef
2 cups shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Pasta and Liquids

2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
2 1/2 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Aromatics

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, stirring frequently. Drain excess fat for a cleaner taste.
Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped 1 small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened to build a savory base.
Combine Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in 2 1/2 cups beef broth and 1 1/2 cups milk. Sprinkle 1 packet ranch seasoning mix evenly over the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Add Pasta and Simmer: Stir in 2 cups of uncooked pasta. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Choose small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells for even cooking and good sauce absorption.
Stir the pasta frequently while simmering to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting without clumps.
Adjust liquid amounts if needed depending on pasta brand or type, adding a splash more broth or milk if too thick.
Let the pasta rest covered for a couple of minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce further.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: one pot, beef pasta, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal