If you’ve ever wished for a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pan, the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe is exactly what you’ve been searching for. This dish has earned a spot in my regular weeknight rotation, effortlessly blending tender ground beef, savory ranch seasoning, and gooey sharp cheddar for a soul-warming meal that’s beyond simple to make. You’ll love how the flavors come alive in every creamy, perfectly seasoned bite, and the minimal cleanup will have you beaming when dinner is done. Get ready to fall in love with this comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta that never disappoints!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe is found in its simplicity. Each ingredient packs a punch, delivering savory notes, just the right texture, and pops of color for a true dinnertime delight. Let’s break down what makes up this magical skillet meal:

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 or leaner for rich flavor; browning it builds the meaty foundation of the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth once softened, complementing the beef beautifully.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves, but their punch of savory richness rounds out every flavor.
Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with extra umami and ensures the noodles cook up perfectly.
Uncooked pasta (elbow or rotini): These shapes hold the creamy sauce in every hollow and curl.
Ranch seasoning mix: The secret flavor star—herby, tangy, and totally craveable!
Black pepper: A modest shake for gentle heat and complexity.
Paprika: Adds a warm, subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
Milk: Just enough to keep things silky smooth and creamy at the finish.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it fresh if you can for melty, bold flavor in every bite.
Olive oil: Starts the sauté and brings a bit of luscious richness to the mix.
Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkling on a little green at the end makes it as bright and inviting as it tastes!

How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it browns. Cook this mixture until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender; this should take about 5–6 minutes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it, but don’t skip this step—the well-browned meat and sweet onions are foundational for all the flavor to come.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. There’s nothing quite like that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen! Garlic only needs a short time to release its magic, so don’t let it burn.

Step 3: Build the Pasta Base

Pour in the beef broth and add your uncooked pasta of choice, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine everything well. Bring it all to a gentle boil—those noodles are going to soak up flavorful broth instead of water, which really makes this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe sing.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. This is where the magic of one-pot cooking shines—the pasta and savory sauce meld together into one velvety bite.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Stir in the milk and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, letting the cheese melt into a rich, creamy blanket that ties everything together. Mix until smooth and luscious! Take the pot off the heat and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes so it thickens up just a smidge. Top with chopped parsley if you’re a fan of a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Top your steaming bowls with a shower of chopped parsley or a sprinkle of additional shredded cheddar for that extra pop of color and cheesy goodness. You could also add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper or, for spice lovers, a scatter of chopped chives or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta is entirely satisfying on its own, but it loves a simple side like a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Lightly roasted broccoli or green beans will give a welcome crunch and round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe into wide, shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel. Or garnish each serving with a tiny dollop of sour cream and a few extra herbs for a “loaded” vibe. For an all-in-one family feast, serve it straight from the pot at the table so everyone can help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but the flavors get even better overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Cool the pasta completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after reheating, but the taste remains deliciously intact.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently until heated through—then dig in!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for a fun twist. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for the perfect creamy finish.

What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?

Elbow macaroni and rotini are personal favorites because they hold the sauce so nicely, but penne, shells, or even bowties all work great. Choose a short, sturdy pasta for the best texture.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes! Toss in a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños along with the beef if you’re craving an extra kick. The ranch and cheddar are a great base for spice!

Can I make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe ahead for meal prep?

You bet. This recipe holds up well for meal prep—just portion into individual containers and store in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making weekday lunches something to look forward to.

What’s the best way to add veggies?

Stir in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or even finely chopped bell peppers toward the end of cooking. They’ll blend seamlessly for a nutritious boost, and you can customize based on family preferences.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a go-to dish that’s brimming with comforting flavors, easy on cleanup, and guaranteed to please all ages, you simply have to try this One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe. I can’t wait for you to add it to your dinner routine—trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a perennial favorite!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta Mixture:

3 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Final Touches:

1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Seasonings and Pasta: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add beef broth, uncooked pasta, ranch seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12-15 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.