Introduction

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Combining savory ground beef, creamy cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning, it makes a perfect weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a single layer of penne pasta, which is light golden yellow and smooth with ridged texture. Mixed evenly throughout the pasta are small pieces of browned ground meat, rough and crumbly in texture. Covering the pasta and meat is a creamy layer of melted cheese sauce, pale yellow and glossy, with a few specks of black pepper sprinkled on top. The cheese sauce clings to the pasta and meat, giving the dish a rich, creamy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 oz ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Stir in the uncooked pasta and beef broth; bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Once boiling, add the ranch dressing mix and stir continuously. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt slightly before serving.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika when browning the beef.
Swap penne for rotini or elbow macaroni for a different pasta shape.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Add steamed broccoli or peas in the final minutes for added veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a dish with two main layers: a base layer of gooey, creamy yellow cheese sauce coating small pasta shells and penne pasta, giving it a shiny and smooth texture, and on top, evenly spaced small chunks of browned ground beef with a slightly crumbly texture. The pasta and beef are nestled together, creating a warm, comforting look. The background and surface are not visible, focusing tightly on the food itself. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses work well for this recipe. Choose what you prefer or have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it a day ahead. Reheat gently and stir in a little extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dinner dish that combines lean ground beef, tender penne pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese all cooked together with savory ranch seasoning in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup heavy cream

Dry Ingredients

2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 oz ranch dressing mix (1 packet)

Liquids

3 cups low-sodium beef broth

Garnish

2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean and avoid greasiness.
Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and pour in the low-sodium beef broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Simmer Pasta with Ranch Mix: Once boiling, add the ranch dressing mix and stir continuously to evenly distribute the seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth.
Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
Finish with Cheese Topping: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Let it melt slightly from the residual heat for added cheesy goodness.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with chopped green onions to add a fresh bite and serve the pasta hot for a satisfying one-pot meal experience.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes dry, add a little extra beef broth or water during simmering.
You can substitute the ranch dressing mix with homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
The dish can be customized by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms when browning the beef.

Keywords: one-pot pasta, beef pasta, cheddar ranch pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, skillet pasta