Description
A creamy, cheesy, and savory one-pot dinner that combines ground beef, rotini pasta, and ranch seasoning in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 12 oz uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 small can diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and onion powder over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Add uncooked rotini, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Check for doneness; if pasta is still hard, add a splash of broth and cover for another 5 minutes. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels as ranch mix and cheese are salty. Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt. Do not overcook the pasta; check at the 15-minute mark. Let the dish rest before serving to thicken the sauce. For a lighter version, use turkey and milk instead of beef and heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one pot meal, beef ranch rotini, easy dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipes, quick meals