why make this recipe
This dish is quick, creamy, and full of flavor. It cooks in one pot, so you save time and dishes. Kids and adults both like the cheesy, ranch taste. If you want a chicken version with a similar ranch flavor, try Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet for another easy weeknight meal.
introduction
Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta mixes browned beef, pasta, cream, and ranch seasoning into a rich sauce. You cook the pasta right in the sauce so it soaks up the flavor. The meal is comforting and ready in about 30 minutes. It makes a great family dinner any night of the week.
how to make Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter and 3 cloves minced garlic to the beef. Sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups beef broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir in 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional), and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Mix well.
- Add 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells). Bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional) until fully melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and crumbled bacon if you like. Serve hot.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Crumbled bacon (for garnish)
- Extra cheddar on top (optional)
how to serve Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Serve this pasta hot and fresh from the pot. Add a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top for more cheese. Garnish with parsley or green onions for color. Offer a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side to balance the richness.
how to store Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Let the pasta cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze up to 2 months, but texture may change. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
- Use a large pot so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Stir the pasta a few times while simmering to prevent sticking.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth or milk.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- For another creamy, meaty pasta idea try Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta for different protein and flavor.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or cooked shredded chicken.
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- Use different cheeses: Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make it smoky by adding a bit more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dry ranch seasoning made from herbs instead of a packet?
A: Yes. Use about 1–2 tbsp of your mix but taste and adjust as needed.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace beef with cooked mushrooms or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce well.
Q: Can I reduce the cream?
A: Yes. Use less cream and more broth for a lighter sauce, but the dish will be less rich.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
A: Stir occasionally while simmering and use enough liquid so the pasta can move.
Conclusion
If you want another ranch-style beef pasta to compare, check this recipe for a similar twist on creamy ranch flavors: Creamy Ranch Beef Pasta – I Am Homesteader.
Creamy One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Lower heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter and 3 cloves minced garlic to the beef, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups beef broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir in 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional), and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Mix well.
- Add 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells) and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional) until fully melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and crumbled bacon if desired. Serve hot.