Go Back
For this one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta, you will need: - 1 pound ground beef - 12 ounces penne pasta - 4 cups beef broth These three main items make the base of your dish. The ground beef gives a hearty flavor. The penne pasta soaks up the tasty sauce. The beef broth adds depth and richness. Next, we add some extra ingredients for flavor: - 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided - 1 cup sour cream The ranch dressing mix adds a zesty kick. Sharp cheddar cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Sour cream brings a nice tanginess to balance the flavors. Don’t forget the seasoning and garnish to finish it off: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Chopped fresh chives or parsley Olive oil helps to cook the beef. Garlic and onion powder boost the overall taste. Fresh chives or parsley add a pop of color and freshness to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta recipe. Enjoy cooking! First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the beef until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. Now, it's time to add flavor. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well. This builds a great base for your dish. Next, drain any extra grease from the pot. Pour in four cups of beef broth and one packet of ranch dressing mix. Stir until everything blends together. The ranch dressing adds a tasty twist. Now, add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets the pasta cook without sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, it’s time for creaminess. Add one cup of sour cream and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. Before serving, add chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, click here. To make this dish even creamier, consider adding more cheese. You can mix in an extra half cup of cheddar cheese. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone loves. You can also use cream cheese or even mascarpone for a different taste. Both will give the dish a smooth texture. Want to spice things up? Add herbs like oregano or basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can also adjust the ranch dressing. If you like it tangy, add a bit more. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less. Avoid overcooked pasta by stirring it often. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. This ensures it stays al dente. For one-pot cooking, use a large pot. It gives the pasta room to move. Cover the pot while it simmers. This helps the pasta cook evenly and saves time. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta. Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken. These options keep the dish leaner while still tasty. Just cook them the same way as beef. If you want a vegetarian meal, use lentils or mushrooms. Both give a great texture and flavor. They soak up all the tasty ranch and cheese. While penne pasta works great, you can use other types too. Rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti can change the feel of the dish. Each type adds a unique twist to the meal. For those needing gluten-free options, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. They cook well and taste good. Just read the package instructions for the right cooking time. Adding vegetables can boost the nutrition and flavor. Try bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Chop them small and add them with the beef. They will cook well and add color to your plate. You can also play with sauces. Instead of ranch dressing, try barbecue sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce. Each sauce gives the dish a new vibe. Mix it up and make it your own! For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. To keep your one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing it. This will stop condensation from forming inside the container. You can freeze this dish for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm evenly. In the fridge, your pasta lasts about 3-4 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration. If it smells sour or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. You can find the full recipe for this dish in the article above. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also mix in diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a sweet taste. If you want spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. For depth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce works well. Experiment with these ideas to make your dish stand out! Yes, you can use other cheeses. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice twist. Cream cheese can create a rich, creamy texture too. If you prefer a sharper bite, try Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Just pick a cheese you love, and it will taste great! This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is perfect. Garlic bread is also a great choice for a comforting meal. You can add a side of steamed veggies for a colorful plate. Enjoy your meal with these tasty sides! This blog post shared how to make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta. We covered the main and additional ingredients, and the simple steps to cook this dish. Tips for creaminess, flavor adjustments, and cooking practices were important too. Variations allow for different proteins and pastas. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. In the end, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt. Enjoy making it your own!

- One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Satisfy your cravings with this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta, a quick and delicious meal that simplifies dinner time! With hearty ground beef, creamy cheddar, and zesty ranch flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions, explore flavorful variations, and discover tips for ultimate creaminess. Ready to make a meal your family will love? Click now to check out the full recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

12 ounces penne pasta

4 cups beef broth

1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

    Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Stir in the beef broth and the ranch dressing mix, ensuring everything is well combined.

      Add the penne pasta to the pot, and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the temperature to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

        After the pasta is cooked, add the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

          Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.

            Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the dish as a garnish before serving.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 servings

                Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta, perfect for a comforting meal!