This Tender Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt is pure, cheesy comfort in a bowl — a cozy, hearty meal packed with creamy ranch flavor, tender beef, and melty cheddar. Imagine rich macaroni and cheese combined with a savory beef filling, baked until golden and bubbling. I once tried this recipe using extra-sharp cheddar and a sprinkle of crushed crackers on top for a crunchy finish — and it was unbelievably good. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish takes classic mac and cheese to the next level by adding seasoned ground beef and ranch-inspired creaminess. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold, satisfying flavors. The combination of creamy pasta, melted cheddar, and tangy ranch makes it irresistible. It’s also a one-pan meal that’s easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you serve it as a main course or a potluck favorite, it’s comfort food done right — cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor.
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Tender Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Tender 🌛 Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt is the ultimate comfort food — featuring creamy ranch-seasoned macaroni mixed with juicy ground beef and gooey melted cheddar cheese. It’s rich, hearty, and baked to perfection for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning and flour over the beef. Stir to coat evenly.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in sour cream, butter, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
- To make ahead, prepare up to step 8, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Elbow Macaroni – The classic pasta choice that holds the cheesy sauce perfectly.
Ground Beef – Lean ground beef adds hearty flavor and pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
Ranch Seasoning Mix – The key flavor base that adds zesty, herby tang to the whole dish.
Butter – Forms the base of the sauce and gives richness.
All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the creamy cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
Milk – Use whole milk for a creamier texture, or 2% for a lighter option.
Heavy Cream – Adds body and richness to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives that classic, tangy melt. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great too.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Boost flavor in the beef and sauce.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning balance.
Crushed Crackers or Breadcrumbs (optional) – Adds a golden, crispy topping when baked.
Green Onions or Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish and freshness before serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Stir well and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
Stir in the remaining ranch seasoning mix and cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful of cheese for topping. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Melt
Combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese sauce in the skillet or baking dish. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Top with the reserved cheddar and optional crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for crunch.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. This dish also freezes well — store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Ranch Twist
Add crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness and crunch.
Spicy Kick
Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
BBQ Beef Mac
Replace half the ranch seasoning with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
Vegetable Boost
Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Tex-Mex Style
Use pepper jack cheese and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
Chicken Ranch Version
Swap the ground beef for shredded or diced chicken.
Four-Cheese Upgrade
Mix cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for even more cheesiness.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Loaded Topping
Sprinkle with fried onions or crispy shallots for a flavorful crunch.
Creamy Deluxe
Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream for a tangier, ultra-creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but shredding it fresh gives a smoother, creamier sauce.
Can I make this without baking it?
Yes, just mix everything in the skillet and serve once the cheese melts completely.
What kind of pasta can I use instead of macaroni?
Shells, rotini, or penne work perfectly too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely — it’s a leaner option and still tastes delicious.
What’s the best cheese for extra meltiness?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully and give a creamy texture.
Can I skip the ranch seasoning?
You can, but it’s the key flavor. Replace with Italian seasoning for a milder taste.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Use an extra splash of cream or a spoonful of sour cream before baking.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight before reheating.
What sides go best with it?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread balances the richness perfectly.
Conclusion
This Tender Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt is comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a zesty ranch kick, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Simple to make and satisfying to eat, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a warm, comforting meal. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation — cozy, creamy perfection in every bite.
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