Name: One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups beef broth; 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup; 2 cups uncooked short pasta (like penne or rotini); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional); chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving something hearty, zippy, and so simple it almost feels magical, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is the answer. This dish brings together the comfort of tender pasta and rich ground beef, all coated in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce with that unmistakable tang of ranch seasoning. The best part? It all comes together in a single pot—meaning easier cleanup and all the flavors meld just right. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up a weeknight meal for two, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta totally deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients: every item here has a purpose, and together, they make this recipe pure gold on a plate. You don’t need anything fancy—just a mix of classics that perfectly balance creamy, savory, and just the right amount of zing.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the onions to sweet, golden perfection.
Ground beef: The heart of the dish, giving depth and satisfying flavor in every bite.
Yellow onion: Diced for a touch of sweetness and real savory backbone.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, bring a background of warmth and aroma.
Ranch seasoning mix: The key to that signature tangy, herby flavor—use your favorite brand.
Paprika: Just a hint to deepen the color and add savory smokiness.
Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a mild kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Beef broth: Builds a flavorful backdrop for the pasta and creates that luscious sauce base.
Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Fast-tracks the creamy texture and delivers cheddar flavor in every forkful.
Uncooked short pasta: Penne or rotini are perfect—they soak up the sauce and stay delightfully tender.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in at the end for ultimate gooeyness and sharp cheddar punch.
Heavy cream (optional): A splash at the finish for extra silkiness—great if you want it extra decadent.
Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled over the top, it adds color and a touch of garden freshness.

How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start things off by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and let them sweat for 3 to 4 minutes, just until softened. This step is key—soft onions have a natural sweetness that creates a wonderful base for the entire One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, add in your ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s nicely browned with no more pink in sight. If your beef is on the fattier side, drain off excess grease—this keeps the sauce rich but never greasy. Now your kitchen is already smelling amazing!

Step 3: Flavor Boost

Stir in the minced garlic, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, and black pepper. Let this cook for about a minute, just to wake up the flavors and infuse the beef. The aroma is about to get irresistible—this is when the One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta magic truly begins.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and condensed cheddar cheese soup, then stir in your uncooked short pasta. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged so they cook evenly. Give everything a good stir and bring it up to a gentle boil to help the pasta start absorbing all that flavor.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to make sure nothing sticks and the pasta cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened into a creamy blanket.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and, if you want things ultra-creamy, a splash of heavy cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes—the sauce will finish thickening as it cools slightly. Add chopped parsley on top for color and serve hot! Congratulations: One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is ready to make everyone at your table smile.

How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley tops this dish off with a pop of color and brightness. If you want, you can also add a handful of extra shredded cheddar or even a dash of cracked black pepper to up the flavor (and the wow-factor).

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, pair your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta with a crisp green salad or a plate of roasted broccoli. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for mopping up extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style fun, serve straight from the pot at the table. Scooping into individual bowls with a big swirl of hot, cheesy pasta looks beautiful and feels cozy. Or try ladling into a shallow baking dish, topping with more cheddar, and briefly broiling for a bubbling, golden crust—an extra-indulgent take on One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta will stay fresh for up to three days—and the flavors only deepen overnight!

Freezing

This dish actually freezes quite well. For best results, portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this keeps the texture closest to freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The sauce revives beautifully and gets creamy again—just like when you first made your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic swaps and lighten things up a bit, while still working perfectly with the ranch and cheddar flavors. You could also try ground pork or even a vegetarian meat substitute if you like.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free short pasta—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some varieties cook a bit faster or slower. Stir a little more often to prevent sticking, and you’re set!

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Steamed or sautéed broccoli, spinach, or even bell peppers fit right in and add some color and nutrients. Just stir them in near the end of the cooking time or add pre-cooked veggies before serving for a quick boost.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

For an ultra-luxurious sauce, don’t skip the heavy cream at the end. You can even try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the cheddar—your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta will be extra smooth and decadent!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and cook in a larger pot. Just give a few extra minutes for the pasta to cook through, and remember to stir well so everything heats evenly. This is a true crowd-pleaser for potlucks and family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is truly a weeknight hero: low effort, huge payoff, and so much flavor in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you want a dinner that sparks big smiles without big messes. It might just become your new comfort food favorite!

One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

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

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups beef broth
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
2 cups uncooked short pasta (like penne or rotini)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in garlic, ranch seasoning, paprika, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
Add beef broth, cheddar cheese soup, and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream if using. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.