Cheddar Ranch Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
Cheddar Ranch Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy ranch seasoning, all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings because it’s hearty, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor.
The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby kick that elevates the flavors of the beef and cheese, while the pasta provides a satisfying base. This baked casserole is simple yet versatile—you can customize it with vegetables, extra cheese, or different pasta shapes to make it your own. This guide will walk you through ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving tips, storage methods, and FAQs to make a foolproof pasta bake.
Ingredients
Yields approximately 6–8 servings:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 box pasta (any type, 12–16 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The combination of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and ground beef creates a creamy, savory flavor, while optional vegetables add color, texture, and nutrition. Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well for this bake.