One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
One Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner for families craving comfort food. Made entirely in a single skillet with seasoned ground beef and rotini, this recipe cuts down on dishes and prep time significantly. A creamy, savory sauce infused with ranch seasoning and melted sharp cheddar clings to every bite of tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour optional, for thicker sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning or 1 packet
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium if possible
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 12 ounces short pasta rotini, shells, penne, or bowties
- 6 ounces cream cheese cubed (optional, for extra creamy sauce)
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high. Brown ground beef 6–8 minutes; drain excess grease.
- Add onion; cook 3–4 minutes. Add garlic 30 seconds.
- Add butter. If using flour, stir in and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in ranch seasoning. Add broth and milk; scrape up browned bits.
- Add pasta. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 10–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Add cheddar in handfuls, stirring until melted.
- Rest 3–5 minutes. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Keep heat low when adding cheese for the smoothest sauce.
If it thickens too much, stir in warm milk or broth a splash at a time.
Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother than bagged cheese.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!