Time: Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes
Introduction
One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta, as the name suggests, is an all-in-one dish that combines the hearty meatiness of beef, the creamy indulgence of cheddar, and the tangy flavor of ranch seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a meal bound to satisfy every member of the family.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a game changer for those with hectic schedules. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and uses only one pot – reducing the hassle of cleaning up. It’s also flexible and allows for variations depending on your dietary needs or preferences.
How to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 cups dry pasta (penne or rotini)
– 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, draining excess fat once fully cooked.
2. Stir in ranch seasoning mix, thoroughly coating the beef.
3. Pour the beef broth, water, and pasta into the pot, stirring to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer until the pasta is tender which should take about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the peas and cook for a further 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Best served hot, this dish is ideal for dinner time, paired with a side salad and a crusty roll. It also makes a good meal for lunches and can be packed for office or school lunches.
How to Store One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
Store this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, either use a microwave for quick serving or reheat on the stove until hot enough to serve.
Tips to Make One-Pot Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta
– For richer flavor, you may use homemade beef broth or use high-quality store brands.
– If you want to up the vegetable content, feel free to add bell peppers or chopped spinach.
Variation
You can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
FAQs:
1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
– Yes, any pasta of your choice will work for this recipe.
2. What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
– You can substitute it with a mix of dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
3. If I’m vegetarian, what can I use instead of beef?
– You can substitute the beef with a meat alternative or simply add more vegetables to make it vegetarian.