Cheesy Beef Ranch Pasta

One-pan meals like this Cheesy Beef Ranch Pasta offer numerous advantages beyond just cutting down on cleanup time.

When everything cooks in a single pan, the flavors meld together, creating a cohesive and satisfying dish.

Not only is this recipe straightforward to make, but it also offers the flexibility to adjust according to your preferences.

Whether you want to throw in some extra vegetables or switch up the type of cheese, the base recipe is versatile enough to accommodate a range of additions and substitutions.

The Ingredients

Ground Beef: Choosing lean ground beef keeps the dish low in points. It cuts down on saturated fat making the dish more heart-friendly.

Pasta: Use a food scale to weigh 8 ounces of pasta. This will help to keep the points accurate.

Beef Broth: The broth helps to cook the noodles in the pan. Most of the broth will be absorbed by the noodles adding even more flavor.

Skim Milk: Using skim milk instead of regular milk or cream helps to keep the dish low in points. It works well with the cheese to add a touch of creaminess.

Ranch Seasoning: This enhances the dish by adding a burst of herby flavor.

Cheese: I used reduced-fat Mexican cheese. I like that it has monterey jack, cheddar, colby jack, and mozzarella cheese.

Onion: I used yellow onion to add a hint of sweetness to the dish.

Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Ranch Pasta

Add the ground beef to a large skillet with a lid. Break apart the ground beef then add the chopped onion.

Once the ground beef is cooked through drain any excess grease.

Stir in the beef broth, milk, pasta, and ranch seasoning.

Bring it to a boil, reduce heat and simmer.

Cover the skillet and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Turn off the heat once the noodles are cooked through and stir in the cheese.

Stirring in the cheese will thicken any remaining liquid.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re not in the mood for ground beef you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.

Instead of reduced-fat Mexican cheese you can use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, make excellent side dishes.

Serving it with a low point side salad is also a great option. A salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette will keep it light and fresh.

This pasta dish is perfect for meal prepping as well. You can make a large batch and store individual portions in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal that’s ready in minutes.

Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:

Beef Enchilada Soup

Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Easy Beef Goulash

If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out. 

If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!

Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!