One-Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch Pasta
A simple and delicious one-pot dish featuring ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (about 1 packet)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 3 cups small pasta shells (or substitute with rotini, penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the beef mixture and pour in the beef broth. Stir well, scraping any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Toss in the uncooked pasta shells, making sure they're completely submerged in the broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, mixing until the cheese is bubbling and creamy, coating the pasta perfectly.
- Remove from heat and dish out the pasta while it's hot. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs as desired.
Notes
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For extra spice, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen, though texture may change slightly upon reheating.