Description

This Cheddar Ranch Ground Beef Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights! Loaded with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich cheddar cheese, and a zesty ranch flavor, this easy-to-make casserole will become a family favorite. Perfect for meal prep, this creamy pasta bake combines the best of cheesy goodness with a burst of ranch seasoning for a satisfying dish everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pan meal is sure to impress. Try it today for a cheesy, hearty, and flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheddar Ranch Ground Beef Pasta Bake (serves 6-8):

For the Pasta Bake:

12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the sauce)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Optional Toppings:

Chopped green onions
Crumbled bacon
Fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, black pepper, and salt. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and ground beef mixture to the bowl with the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.