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One-Pot Cheesy Beef Ranch Pasta

One-Pot Cheesy Beef Ranch Pasta
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One-Pot Cheesy Beef Ranch Pasta is a comforting, quick, and easy meal combining tender ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy flavor with minimal cleanup and can be customized with various proteins or veggies to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add seasonings and liquids: Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Pour in beef broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for extra flavor.
  3. Add pasta and cook: Stir in the pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Stir in cheese: Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
  5. Final touches and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Let the pasta rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use medium heat to cook the beef evenly and prevent burning the seasonings.
  • Watch the pasta closely to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  • Reserve some cheese to garnish after plating for extra cheesiness.
  • Add liquids gradually if pasta absorbs broth too quickly, using water or more broth to maintain moisture.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten the dish when sprinkled before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, cheesy beef pasta, ranch seasoning, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/one-pot-cheesy-beef-ranch-pasta/