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One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
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A hearty, cheesy, and easy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning. This comforting pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, delivering rich taste and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta shells
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in beef broth and milk, scraping the pot bottom to deglaze and capture flavorful bits. Stir in ranch dressing mix, then bring to a boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add pasta directly to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Stir in Cheese and Butter: Remove pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and a bit of butter until fully melted and creamy, coating the pasta evenly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Use medium heat to prevent mushy pasta.
  • Stir frequently to avoid sticking during simmering.
  • Shred your own cheese for better melting quality.
  • Customize ranch mix to control salt and flavor intensity.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, beef pasta, cheddar ranch pasta, quick dinner, easy family meal, comfort food

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