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One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
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One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and savory dish combining tender ground beef, creamy cheddar, and tangy ranch seasoning all cooked together in one pot. This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering rich, hearty flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
  • 1 cup milk or cream

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 3 cups beef broth or water

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef, cooking until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
  3. Combine pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth (or water), and milk. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
  4. Add seasoning: Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the pot.
  5. Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is cooked through.
  6. Stir in cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy, coating the pasta and beef with cheesy goodness.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder, more flavorful sauce.
  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid a greasy dish.
  • Stir gently during cooking to prevent breaking the pasta and to keep the sauce creamy.
  • Adjust liquid amounts as needed depending on your pasta brand for perfect consistency.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for a brightness boost.

Nutrition

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

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