Description
Creamy ranch dressing and cheddar cheese blend together to create a rich, savory sauce for tender pasta and seasoned beef. This hearty, comforting dish is a sure hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any preferred pasta shape)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky touch)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente (usually 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta). Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to help with the sauce later if needed.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to brown evenly.
Season the beef with garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika, if using. Cook the beef until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, but leave a little bit of the rendered fat for flavor.
Once the beef is cooked, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the ranch seasoning mix and ranch dressing to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine the seasoning and dressing with the beef, creating a creamy sauce. Add the milk to the skillet to thin out the sauce, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and ranch sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy beef mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or pasta water to loosen it up.
Once the pasta and beef mixture is well combined, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes even creamier. The cheese will create a beautiful, gooey texture that will coat the pasta perfectly.
Once everything is mixed together and the cheese has melted, the Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor if desired.
Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this satisfying pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-550 kcal
- Fat: 28-32g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 20-25g