Looking for a dinner recipe that combines bold flavors with the ultimate comfort food experience? This Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is the dish you’ve been craving! With creamy ranch seasoning, tangy buffalo sauce, savory ground beef, and a cheesy topping, this pasta bake is packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a gathering, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Before we dive into the delicious steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake. Here’s a quick look at the ingredients:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 lb ground beef
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s loaded with flavor and bound to become a favorite in your home!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the pasta once it’s bubbling. Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes depending on the type of pasta you’re using.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside. Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water in case you need it later to adjust the consistency of your sauce.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

While your pasta is cooking, it’s time to get the beef ready. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure it’s crumbled evenly.

Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. This will help create a leaner, more balanced meal. With the beef now perfectly cooked, set it aside to move on to the next step.

3. Add Seasoning and Sauce for Flavor

Now that the beef is ready, it’s time to season it to perfection. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the cooked ground beef. Stir it well to coat the meat with the flavorful ranch seasoning. This is where the magic starts to happen!

Next, add the buffalo sauce, sour cream, and milk to the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and heated through. The buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick, while the sour cream and milk create a creamy base that balances the heat and enhances the flavor of the dish.

4. Combine the Pasta with the Beef Mixture

At this point, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir gently to coat all of the pasta with the creamy, cheesy buffalo ranch sauce. Be sure to get every noodle covered in a flavorful sauce. This is what will make every bite rich and satisfying!

5. Layer in a Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for the next step. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly to make sure every bite gets the right balance of pasta, sauce, and meat.

6. Top with a Cheese Blanket

Here comes the best part — the cheese! Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. The cheddar will melt beautifully, while the mozzarella adds a gooey, stretchy texture. The cheese topping will turn golden and bubbly as it bakes, making the dish even more irresistible.

7. Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden, crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning!

Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Now it’s time to serve up this incredible Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake! The creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors will be a hit at the dinner table. Serve this dish hot, and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort food and bold flavors.

Nutritional Information for Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving of this delicious Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g

This recipe is hearty and filling while providing a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s the perfect comfort food, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Tips and Variations for Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Spice It Up with Extra Heat

If you’re a fan of spicy food, feel free to kick up the heat with extra buffalo sauce or by adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. The more spice, the better, right? Just be sure to adjust the buffalo sauce to your desired spice level.

Make It a One-Pan Dish

Looking for a quicker and even easier way to make this dish? You can prepare the entire meal in one pan by cooking the pasta directly in the skillet with the ground beef. Add water or broth to the pan, then simmer the pasta until it’s cooked, before combining it with the sauce. It’s a great way to cut down on dishes and save time in the kitchen!

Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition

Feel free to sneak in some veggies to make this dish even more nutritious. You could add some sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture before adding the pasta. The flavors will blend wonderfully, and you’ll be adding extra vitamins and minerals to the meal.

FAQs About Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before mixing it with the beef and sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pasta bake can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef. The ranch and buffalo sauce will still give the dish plenty of flavor.

Can I freeze Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for later. After baking, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors in one dish. It’s easy to make, comforting, and full of bold flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it today and enjoy the delicious combination of ranch, buffalo sauce, and cheese!

If you’re looking for other comforting, easy-to-make recipes, try these:

These recipes are perfect for those who crave bold flavors and hearty meals, just like the Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake.

Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake: A Spicy Comfort Meal

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Buffalo Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake combines the creamy richness of ranch, the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, and hearty ground beef for a truly satisfying meal. With melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this pasta bake is the perfect weeknight dinner, bringing together bold flavors and creamy textures that will have your taste buds dancing. If you’re craving comfort food with a spicy twist, this dish is a must-try!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 lb ground beef
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Seasoning and Sauce:
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the cooked beef and stir well. Add the buffalo sauce, sour cream, and milk. Stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Layer in a Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
For an extra creamy dish, you can add a bit more sour cream or milk to the sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version of this dish.
Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef for a less greasy final dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Method: Bake, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Buffalo ranch pasta bake, buffalo cheeseburger pasta, spicy pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, buffalo chicken pasta bake, ranch pasta bake, comfort food pasta, easy pasta bake