![Here’s what you need for One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta: - 1 pound ground beef - 12 ounces penne pasta - 4 cups beef broth - 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy pasta dish. The ground beef provides protein, while the ranch dressing mix adds a unique flavor twist. The penne pasta soaks up all the delicious broth and ranch mix, making each bite full of taste. The sharp cheddar gives a nice cheesy finish, and sour cream adds creaminess. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and make it look pretty. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for a fun cooking experience. Cooking should be easy and enjoyable. So, let’s get started with the full recipe! - First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Next, add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon. - Season the beef with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Cook until it is browned, around 5-7 minutes. - After that, drain any excess grease from the pot. - Now, stir in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 packet of ranch dressing mix. Mix this well. - Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. - Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking. - When the pasta is cooked al dente, stir in 1 cup of sour cream and half of the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy. - Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot for a few minutes to melt the cheese. - Finally, garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving. For the full recipe, you can check the earlier section. To make your one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta shine, follow these tips: - Ensuring the pasta does not stick: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps the noodles moving and prevents them from clumping together. Adding a little extra beef broth also helps. - Best practices for browning the beef: Use medium heat and break the meat into small pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the beef to brown nicely without steaming. - Adjusting the seasoning: Taste as you cook. If it feels bland, add more salt or ranch mix. A dash of pepper can also elevate the flavor. Want to take your dish to the next level? Try these ideas: - Adding vegetables for more nutrition: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or peas. They add color and nutrients. Add them when you stir in the beef broth for a nice cook. - Alternative cheese options: While cheddar is great, you can swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack. These cheeses can add a unique flavor twist to your dish. - Spicy variations with added ingredients: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start small, then adjust to your taste. This adds a kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. This gives the dish a lighter taste. Ground turkey works well and keeps it juicy. Chicken offers a different flavor that many enjoy. If you want a meatless option, try using lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber while being very filling. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer great pasta that cooks just like regular. For those on a keto diet, try using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead. These options cut down on carbs while still being tasty. To keep your One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents moisture loss. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials are safe and durable for food storage. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You can use the microwave or stovetop for this dish. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta from drying out. If you prefer stovetop reheating, pour the pasta into a pan. Add a bit of beef broth to the pan and heat over low. Stir often and watch for the cheese to melt again. This method keeps the flavor rich and creamy. Enjoy your meal just as tasty as the first time! How long does it take to cook One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta? It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. This quick meal fits into busy days. Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, you can! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook it, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat when you're ready to eat. What can I use instead of ranch dressing mix? You can make a mix with equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. This gives you a fresh taste without the packet. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. What to serve with One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta? Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and add freshness. Can this dish be frozen for later use? Yes, you can freeze it! Portion it into containers and store it. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best taste. For the Full Recipe, check above! This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is simple, tasty, and perfect for everyone. We covered easy steps to cook it, from sautéing beef to serving it hot. Remember, you can change ingredients like using chicken or veggies. Store any leftovers correctly and reheat them easily. With this recipe, dinner is quick, fun, and satisfying. Enjoy making it your own and delight your family with something new and delicious.](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f6520abe-a2f8-426c-bdb1-9c8839276fad.webp)
Ingredients
Method
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess grease from the pot, then stir in the beef broth and ranch dressing mix, mixing well to combine.
Add the penne pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Once the cheese is melted, garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 servings
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta!