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Creamy Ranch Beef Pasta


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A delicious and hearty pasta salad featuring tender rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Rotini pasta
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium Cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 medium Red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook Pasta – Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Step 2: Brown Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
  • Step 3: Prepare Vegetables – While beef cooks, chop cherry tomatoes in half, dice cucumber, finely chop red onion, and chop fresh herbs.
  • Step 4: Combine Ingredients – In large bowl, combine cooked pasta, browned beef, chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix well until evenly coated.
  • Step 5: Chill and Serve – Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop properly.

Notes

  • Rinse cooked pasta with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed.
  • Let beef cool slightly before mixing to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables and melting cheese too quickly.
  • Add ranch dressing gradually while mixing to ensure even coating without making the dish too wet.
  • This pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and makes excellent leftovers for lunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 685 calories
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamy ranch beef pasta, pasta salad, ground beef recipe, ranch pasta, easy dinner, meal prep