One-pot Beef And Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

There's something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of cheesy, hearty pasta—especially when it all comes together in a single pot. This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and your belly with pure joy.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up on a weeknight when my pantry was nearly empty and my patience even lower. What started as a “use-what-you-have” experiment quickly turned into a family favorite that now appears in our rotation almost weekly. It’s fast, it’s satisfying, and best of all, there’s barely any cleanup. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dinner. This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta isn’t just flavorful—it’s an absolute lifesaver for busy nights.

First off, it’s truly a one-pot wonder. That means fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and more time spent relaxing after dinner instead of scrubbing pots and pans.

It’s also ridiculously easy to make. If you can brown ground beef and stir pasta, you can make this dish. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required.

Budget-conscious? This one’s for you. It relies on simple pantry staples like ground beef, dry pasta, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. It’s filling, affordable, and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the flavor. The combination of savory beef, zesty ranch, and gooey cheddar cheese is downright addictive. It’s a comfort food classic with a twist—creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of tang.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Ready to stock your pantry and give it a go?

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta comes from its humble ingredients working together in delicious harmony. Each one plays an important role in building that crave-worthy flavor and creamy texture.

Ground beef is the star of the show here. I typically go for 85/15 for just the right amount of flavor without being too greasy. You can also use leaner ground beef or swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The beef adds a hearty, meaty base that makes this dish so satisfying.

Cheddar cheese gives the pasta its creamy, indulgent character. Sharp cheddar works especially well, adding depth and tanginess that balances the richness of the beef. For extra meltability, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.

Ranch seasoning mix is the secret weapon. Its tangy blend of herbs and spices infuses the entire dish with flavor in one easy step. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend if you’re avoiding added sodium or preservatives.

Pasta is what pulls everything together. I usually go with medium shells or rotini, both of which hold sauce beautifully. Since everything cooks in one pot, the starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally for that perfect creamy consistency.

You’ll also need milk and broth to bring the dish to the right level of creaminess and moisture. I like to use whole milk and beef broth for richness, but you can swap in chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Make sure you have a large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid—it’s essential for one-pot pasta success!

How To Make This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Creating this one-pot comfort meal is incredibly straightforward, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess grease if needed—but leave a bit for flavor.

Next, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and give everything a good stir to coat the beef evenly. This step is where the magic begins—the herbs and spices will start to bloom in the residual heat, infusing the beef with irresistible flavor.

Now it’s time to add your pasta, broth, and milk directly into the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.

Let it cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a creamy, savory sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it thick, rich, and ultra-cheesy. Give it a final stir, taste for seasoning, and serve it hot straight from the pot.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total. It’s a true weeknight hero that never fails to impress.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully and reheat like a dream.

To refrigerate, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for lunch meal prep or quick dinners.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, place your desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or broth, and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring in between. You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it based on what you have on hand or what your family loves most.

Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. It still delivers great flavor, especially when paired with the boldness of the ranch seasoning.

Add vegetables to sneak in some extra nutrition. Frozen peas, corn, or spinach work especially well and cook quickly. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of simmering.

For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for an extra layer of heat.

Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—it may vary slightly from regular pasta.

Prefer homemade seasonings? Feel free to use your own ranch spice blend with garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and a pinch of paprika. It adds a personal touch and lets you control the salt.

No matter how you tweak it, this one-pot pasta is a blank canvas for creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own—you might just discover your next favorite version!

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