Introduction
This creamy beef and pasta skillet is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious, hearty meal. Combining the savory flavors of ground beef.
rich cheese, and the tangy kick of ranch seasoning, this dish comes together in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
With creamy sauce and tender pasta, it’s a family favorite that can be whipped up in under an hour.
Ingredients
-1 lb ground beef
-1 small onion (diced)
-2 cups beef broth
-1 cup milk
-8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
-1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet.
Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Next, add the diced onion to the beef, cooking until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, ensuring the onions are evenly cooked.
Now, pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine with the beef and onions. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
letting it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the broth and milk are simmering, add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Check occasionally and add a bit more water if the mixture looks too dry.
After the pasta is cooked, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, allowing it to evenly distribute through the dish.
Continue to cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, letting the ranch seasoning infuse the sauce.
Now, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and becomes creamy.
This will give the dish a rich, cheesy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Finally, serve the creamy beef and pasta skillet warm, garnished with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful meal!
How to Make
To make this creamy beef and pasta skillet, the first step is to brown the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil. Breaking up the meat as it cooks ensures it’s evenly browned.
The key is to cook the beef until it’s no longer pink and to drain any excess fat to avoid greasy results.
Next, add the diced onion, which brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Cook the onions until they’re softened and slightly caramelized.
This step is important because it helps release the natural sugars in the onions, which balances the richness of the beef.
Once the beef and onions are cooked, it’s time to pour in the liquids. The beef broth and milk will create the creamy sauce that binds everything together.
Simmering these ingredients will infuse the beef and onions with a deep flavor while forming the base for the cheesy sauce.
Adding the uncooked pasta to the skillet saves time and makes cleanup easy. The pasta cooks directly in the broth mixture, absorbing the flavors as it becomes tender.
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the pan, ensuring even cooking.
When the pasta is cooked, the ranch seasoning is added for that signature flavor. The seasoning packet brings a tangy.
zesty profile that enhances the creamy beef mixture. Stir it well to ensure all the pasta and meat are coated in the flavorful sauce.
Shredding cheese and stirring it into the skillet at the end ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
This step is crucial for achieving the dish’s rich, indulgent finish.
Once everything is mixed together, the creamy beef and pasta skillet is ready to serve. You can garnish with a little extra shredded.
cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Tips
For a lighter version of this dish, you can use lean ground beef or swap the whole milk for a lower-fat option, such as 2% or skim milk.
You can also experiment with using a different type of cheese, like mozzarella or a cheese blend, for a slightly different taste.
If you prefer a bit of extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef and onion mixture.
This will give the dish a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
For a more vegetable-packed meal, try adding a cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach to the skillet along with the pasta.
This will add color and additional nutrients, making the dish even more wholesome.
To make the dish even creamier, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream at the end when you’re adding.
the shredded cheddar. This will give the sauce an extra velvety texture and enhance the flavor.
If you want to cut down on prep time, you can use pre-cooked pasta, although it’s important to adjust the cooking time for the pasta accordingly.
Adding it to the skillet after the beef and onions are cooked allows the pasta to soak up the sauce and seasoning.
This dish is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or even swap in ground.
turkey or chicken instead of beef. Each variation brings its own flavor to the table, so feel free to get creative.
Lastly, the ranch seasoning mix is a key ingredient, but if you don’t have a packet on hand.
you can make your own using a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives. Homemade seasoning allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Conclusion
This creamy beef and pasta skillet is an easy, satisfying meal that combines comfort food and convenience.
With its creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for busy nights or leisurely weekends.
The simplicity of this recipe doesn’t compromise the flavor, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re adding veggies, changing the protein, or experimenting with different cheeses, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. Enjoy!