One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
