Description
Creamy Pickle Ranch Beef Pasta is a bold and comforting one-pan pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, chopped dill pickles, and a rich garlic ranch Parmesan cream sauce. This unique, tangy, and creamy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and pickle lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb halal lean ground beef
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pickles and pickle juice.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh dill and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use refrigerated dill pickles for the freshest flavor and crunch.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the pickle juice to make the sauce tangier if desired.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American