The Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Casserole

Are you on the hunt for a new go-to weeknight dinner? We’re talking about a meal that’s not only simple to prepare but is also deeply comforting and wins praise from the entire family, including the fussiest of eaters. If that sounds like what you need, then your search is over. Allow us to introduce you to our magnificent Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Casserole. This recipe is the very definition of a comfort food dinner, bringing together rich minced beef, a zesty and creamy ranch sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a blanket of molten, golden cheese. It truly is a hug in a casserole dish, and we’re excited to share just how simple it is to create in your own kitchen.

There’s no need for complicated methods or a long list of obscure ingredients here. We’ve crafted this recipe to be wonderfully straightforward, using everyday staples to achieve something exceptionally tasty. It’s the sort of meal that gathers everyone around the table, filling the house with an incredible aroma as it bakes to bubbly perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavourful: The harmony of savoury beef, tangy ranch seasoning, a luscious cream sauce, and gooey cheese creates a taste that is simply irresistible. It’s a delightful update on a traditional beef noodle casserole.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With its clear, simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can get this substantial meal on the table without any stress. It’s a brilliant one-dish recipe that significantly cuts down on washing up!
• A Guaranteed Family Favourite: This dish has a universal appeal that pleases all ages. Children adore the cheesy pasta, while adults savour the deep, satisfying flavours. It’s a reliable way to see empty plates all round.
• Great for Meal Prep: This casserole is wonderfully suited to making in advance. You can assemble it earlier in the day or even the night before, ready to bake when needed. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious!

Ingredients

• 400g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well)
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 150ml beef stock
• 3 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix (from a sachet)
• 200g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 100ml soured cream or crème fraîche
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 200g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Casserole

Putting together this mouth-watering baked pasta dish is far easier than you might imagine. We’ll walk you through every part of the process, from cooking the rich beef sauce to getting that perfectly crisp, cheesy topping. Let’s begin!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

To start, let’s get the pasta cooking. Fill a large saucepan with salted water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Tip in your pasta and cook following the packet instructions, but make sure to drain it about 2 minutes early. This technique, known as cooking ‘al dente’, is crucial because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming overly soft. Once done, drain it thoroughly and put it to one side.

Step 2: Prepare the Savoury Beef Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven set over a medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until it has softened and turned glassy.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until its aroma is released, taking care that it doesn’t scorch.
3. Add the lean beef mince to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and continue to cook until it is evenly browned. Carefully drain away any excess fat from the pan.
4. Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, 2 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat, pop a lid on, and allow it to bubble gently for 15 minutes. This simmering time is key to letting the flavours deepen and combine wonderfully.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Ranch Sauce

While the beef sauce is simmering away, it’s time to prepare the creamy element that makes this Ranch flavored pasta so special. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, soured cream, and the final tablespoon of ranch seasoning. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This luxurious base is what gives the casserole its decadent texture.

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5). Take a moment to lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish is ideal).
2. When the beef sauce has finished simmering, take it off the heat. Add the drained al dente pasta and the creamy ranch sauce directly into the pan with the beef mixture.
3. Carefully fold everything together until the pasta is well coated in the rich, flavourful sauce. You’ll have a beautifully combined mixture, all ready for baking.
4. Pour this mixture into your prepared dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
5. In a small bowl, toss together the grated Cheddar and Parmesan. Sprinkle this cheese blend evenly over the entire surface of the pasta.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole dish into your hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbling, and has turned a lovely golden-brown colour on top. You should also see the sauce simmering at the edges. Carefully take the dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole to set, making it much easier to serve. Just before serving, scatter over some fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Top Tips and Delicious Variations

We want your beef noodle casserole to be an absolute triumph every time. Here are some of our best tips and creative ideas to help you tailor it to your tastes.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating as it’s the most important tip! Cooking your pasta al dente is essential for achieving the perfect texture in the final bake.
• Add Some Veggies: This is a great recipe for adding extra vegetables. Try sautéing finely diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the onion to boost the flavour and nutritional value.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the beef sauce or a few drops of hot sauce in the creamy mixture will add a lovely kick.
• Cheese Swaps: While our Cheddar and Parmesan mix is a timeless classic, don’t hesitate to get creative. A combination of Monterey Jack and Colby or a little Gruyère would also be delicious.
• Alternative Proteins: If you fancy a change from beef, this recipe is just as tasty when made with minced turkey or chicken. For another comforting poultry dish, you might also like this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re aiming to lower your carbohydrate intake but still crave that casserole experience, you could take inspiration from our popular Low Carb Chicken Casserole and apply similar principles here.

FAQ

A New Family Favourite Awaits

And there you have it—a straightforward, deeply satisfying, and utterly delicious Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Casserole that we’re sure will become a regular feature on your weekly menu. It’s the ideal answer for those evenings when you need something hearty and warming but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The zesty, creamy ranch sauce truly elevates the familiar beef and pasta duo into something unforgettable.

We are so thrilled for you to give this recipe a go and share it with the people you love. We’re confident it will fill your home with warmth and your dinner table with happy, smiling faces. If you do make this dish, we would be delighted to hear how you got on! Please leave a comment and a rating below—we always love hearing from our community!

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Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 400g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 150ml beef stock
• 3 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
• 200g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 100ml soured cream or crème fraîche
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 200g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5). Cook the pasta according to package directions, but for 2 minutes less so it is ‘al dente’. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add the lean beef mince to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, 2 tbsp of the ranch seasoning, dried oregano, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes.
5. While the sauce simmers, whisk together the softened cream cheese, soured cream, and the remaining 1 tbsp of ranch seasoning in a separate bowl until smooth.
6. Remove the beef sauce from the heat. Stir in the creamy ranch sauce and the drained pasta, mixing until everything is well combined and coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden-brown, and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 805, Carbs: 61 g, Protein: 42 g, Fat: 43 g