Description

This Irresistibly Creamy One-Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch Pasta Delight combines hearty ground beef with tangy ranch seasoning, tender pasta shells, and gooey cheddar cheese in a quick and easy one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy and flavorful dish simplifies dinner preparation with minimal cleanup while delivering comforting, cheesy goodness that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)

Seasonings & Broth

1 oz ranch seasoning mix (about 1 packet)
2 cups beef broth (substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist)
salt (to taste)
freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Pasta & Cheese

3 cups small pasta shells (substitute with rotini or macaroni)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or alternatives like mozzarella or pepper jack)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the beef and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add Seasoning and Broth: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the beef and onions, stirring to evenly distribute. Pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta shells directly into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Incorporate Cheese and Season: Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve Warm: Remove from heat and spoon the creamy beef cheddar ranch pasta into bowls. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Feel free to switch up the cheese type; mozzarella or pepper jack work well for different flavors.
To enhance creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream along with the cheese if desired.
Ensure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.