Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 3 cups uncooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 packet ranch dressing mix
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Equipment Needed
– Large pot or Dutch oven
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Cheese grater (if you’re shredding your own cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the pound of ground beef. I always like to break it apart with my wooden spoon and let it brown until it’s no longer pink. The sizzle and smell of cooking beef is so inviting and always gets the appetite going! Once browned, I like to drain any excess fat, but I usually leave a little bit for flavor. This step is important because too much fat can make the dish greasy. (See the next page below to continue steps…)