🥘 One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make in just one pot — perfect for weeknight dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk or cream (optional, for creamier pasta)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add Pasta & Liquid
- Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, and ranch seasoning.
- Stir to combine.
3️⃣ Cook Pasta
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4️⃣ Add Cheese & Milk
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk/cream if using.
- Mix until cheese melts and pasta is creamy.
5️⃣ Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
- For extra richness, add ½ tsp garlic powder or smoked paprika.
- One-pot cooking minimizes cleanup and allows flavors to meld.
If you want, I can also give you:
- A stovetop version with less liquid for thicker pasta
- A slow-cooker adaptation
- A kid-friendly version with hidden veggies
Do you want me to do that?
