One Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch
This One Pot Beef Cheddar Ranch recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal that comes together in a single pot. Ground beef, pasta, diced tomatoes, and ranch seasoning are simmered in a creamy beef broth then finished with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting dish.
Equipment
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 12 ounces dry pasta e.g., rotini, penne, cavatappi
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, then add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up; drain excess grease.
- Sauté diced onion for 3-5 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup; stir well, then add ranch seasoning mix and stir again.
- Add dry pasta, ensuring it's submerged, then bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup cheddar cheese on top, cover briefly to melt, and garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
For best results, use a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rotini or cavatappi. If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash more beef broth or water. You can adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to your preference. This dish is great for meal prepping and reheats well.