Description
Hearty one-pot beef and cheddar ranch pasta delivers comfort straight from your kitchen’s heart. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Seasoning:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Transform ground beef into a flavorful foundation by sautéing with diced onions in a spacious pot over medium heat until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Eliminate excess fat from the beef, then introduce minced garlic and toast for one minute to release aromatic compounds.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning across the meat mixture, thoroughly incorporating the zesty powder for comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Stream beef broth and milk into the pot, creating a luxurious liquid base that will infuse the pasta with rich, savory undertones.
- Escalate heat to trigger boiling, then submerge pasta completely within the bubbling liquid, ensuring each strand is enveloped.
- Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow pasta to cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent adherence and promote even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and liquid has primarily absorbed, cascade shredded cheddar cheese throughout the dish, stirring until a velvety, uniform sauce emerges.
- Refine the final preparation with strategic salt and freshly cracked black pepper adjustments to elevate overall taste profile.
- Optional: Embellish with verdant chopped parsley or delicate chives for visual appeal and subtle herbaceous notes.
- Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy texture.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing meal.
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique taste profiles.
- Customize the dish for dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta and ranch seasoning mix, or substituting ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg