One Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
A hearty, cheesy, family-friendly one-pot pasta loaded with seasoned ground beef and packed with bold ranch flavour. Super creamy, ridiculously easy, and it all comes together in ONE pot — even the pasta cooks in the sauce!
This is weeknight comfort food at its finest. Minimal prep, max flavour.
Why you’ll love this
There’s a time and place for slow-simmered sauces and hand-grated cheese from blocks. This is not that time.
This is for the nights when you’re tired, the fridge is half empty, and you want something satisfying without making a mess. It ticks all the boxes:
- One pot. Less dishes = more happiness.
- Big flavour. Thanks to ranch seasoning and beefy broth.
- Super creamy. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce like magic.
- Cheesy. Because what’s the point of beef pasta without melted cheddar?
Ingredients
Here’s what you need:
The meat & flavour base
- Ground beef – Regular or lean, both work. Adds richness and hearty bite.
- Onion & garlic – Classic flavour base.
- Salt & pepper – Season as you go!
The sauce & pasta
- Dry pasta – Elbows are classic, but any short pasta works.
- Beef broth – For depth of flavour in the sauce.
- Milk – Adds creaminess without using cream.
- Ranch seasoning – The secret flavour bomb. Use a packet or homemade.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavour.
📝 Full recipe with quantities below.
How to make One Pot Beef & Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Here’s a visual walkthrough:
1. Brown beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet or pot. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft and golden. Don’t rush this step — it builds the base flavour.
No need to drain unless it’s super greasy.
2. Add everything else
Toss in the dry pasta, ranch seasoning, broth and milk. Stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer, cover with lid and cook for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir a couple of times to make sure nothing sticks.
🧠 Pasta cooks in the sauce = flavour-packed + natural thickening from starch.
3. Add cheese
Turn off the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar. It’ll melt into a dreamy, creamy sauce.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If too runny, let it sit a couple of minutes — it thickens quickly as it cools.
4. Serve!
Scoop into bowls, top with extra cheese if you want to go all-in. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions if you're feeling fancy (or want a pop of colour).
What to serve with it
Honestly, this is a meal in itself. But if you want to make it a “proper” dinner:
- Garlic bread (because more carbs = more joy)
- Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed greens like broccoli or beans
Leftovers
Microwave or stovetop, both work. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring it back to its creamy self.
Stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge. Pasta will absorb sauce over time but it still tastes awesome.
Full recipe
One Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4–5
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (200g) dry pasta (elbows or similar)
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) ranch seasoning
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings
- Extra cheese, chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Brown beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until mostly browned. Add onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 min until soft.
- Add pasta & liquids: Add dry pasta, ranch seasoning, beef broth and milk. Stir well, bring to a simmer. Cover with lid, reduce heat to medium and cook for 12–15 min, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickened.
- Stir in cheese: Turn off heat, add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. If too thick, add splash of milk. If too thin, let sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls, garnish with more cheese or herbs if desired. Devour!
Hungry for more one pot dinners?
This is the kind of meal that earns repeat status fast. If you want more quick comfort like this, let me know — I’ve got loads of one-pot winners where this came from!
