Savor the Flavor: Quick & Easy One-Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch
Savory Quick & Easy One-Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch is a comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and ranch flavors, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 500kcal
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
For the Beef & Pasta
- 1 lb Ground Beef lean beef preferred
- 8 oz Pasta (e.g., rotini or penne) whole wheat optional
For the Creamy Flavor
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese sharp cheddar recommended
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix store-bought or homemade
For the Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
For the Crunch
- 1 cup Bell Peppers diced
For Added Depth
- 2 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, using a spatula to break it apart. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the diced bell peppers along with the ranch dressing mix. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Mix in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the pasta to cook until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the pot for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the pot from heat. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!