Description

This One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that combines ground beef, tender pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese all simmered together with a zesty ranch seasoning and smoky paprika. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting casserole-like dish cooks entirely in one pot for minimal cleanup, delivering creamy, cheesy pasta infused with savory and tangy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Canned Goods

2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Pasta and Seasonings

8 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Cheeses and Garnish

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, which brings out the flavors.
Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth, milk, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and create the cooking base for the pasta.
Incorporate Pasta and Spices: Add the elbow macaroni, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Melt in Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese until they melt completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with sliced green onions for a fresh, slightly pungent garnish. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
The cream cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess; omit for a sharper cheddar flavor.
Adjust the salt and seasoning according to your taste, especially if your broth or seasoning mix is salty.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American