Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe that the whole family will love? This Cheddar Ranch Ground Beef Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and the tangy flavor of ranch seasoning, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour!
Let’s dive into this cheesy, flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Advertisement
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy cooks.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite pasta, add veggies, or swap the meat for ground turkey or chicken.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This bake reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
- Advertisement
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cheddar Ranch Ground Beef Pasta Bake:
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 box (16 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work great)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, if desired)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (adds that signature tangy flavor!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (creamy and comforting)
- 1/2 cup milk (to create the perfect sauce consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Advertisement
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Stir everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired, for an extra cheesy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Advertisement
- Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!