Description
Tender Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dish packed with seasoned ground beef, rich cheddar, and zesty ranch flavor. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for weeknights and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add ranch seasoning mix and mix well.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotini or shells instead of elbow macaroni if desired.
- For extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream at the end.
- Can be made ahead and reheated—add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef and cheddar macaroni, ranch pasta, one pot dinner, creamy beef pasta, easy macaroni meal