Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, and pasta in one flavorful bake. With ground beef, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and melty cheese, this Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners and game days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, extra buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to beef. Sauté until onion is translucent (3-5 minutes).
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add butter to skillet, and melt. Stir in buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, milk, and sour cream. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and beef. Stir until well-coated.
- Assemble the Pasta Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions or blue cheese crumbles.
Notes
- Spicy Add-Ins: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Use beans, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach instead of meat.
- Cheese Varieties: Try pepper jack, gouda, or sharp cheddar.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your buffalo sauce and ranch are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo Ranch Pasta, Cheeseburger Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Pasta Bake Recipe, Spicy Buffalo Pasta