Description
A comforting and easy one-pot recipe combining savory ground beef, tangy ranch seasoning, tender pasta, and creamy melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Liquids & Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, milk, ranch seasoning mix, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil to get the cooking process started.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Season & Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- This dish works best with rotini or penne, but any small pasta shape will do.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash more milk before adding the cheese.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
