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One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
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A cozy and cheesy one-pot dinner featuring savory ground beef, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning cooked with pasta in a creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil

Pasta & Liquids

  • 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 1 packet (or 1 tablespoon) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in beef broth and milk, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the pot, submerging it fully in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid—usually around 10-12 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cheddar cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and forms a creamy sauce coating the pasta evenly.
  6. Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished if desired, and enjoy your hearty one-pot meal.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and creamy melt.
  • Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even doneness.
  • Reserve a bit of cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top when serving.
  • Ensure enough broth and milk so pasta cooks properly and sauce remains creamy.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for brightness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://withnora.com/one-pot-beef-and-cheddar-ranch-pasta/