Easy BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Pasta Skillet Recipe | Cheesy One-Pan Dinner
Cook BBQ ranch meatball & cheddar pasta skillet with this easy recipe. Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheddar come together in one skillet for a hearty, cheesy comfort food dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot (if cooking pasta separately)
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
Pasta:
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Sauce Base:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning or ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Cheese:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Flavor Boosters:
- Flavor Boosters:
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ onion, diced
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- ½ cup cooked bacon pieces
Instructions
- Cook the Meatballs Brown meatballs in skillet until heated through and lightly crisped. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta Boil pasta separately until al dente, or cook directly in skillet with broth until tender.
- Prepare the Sauce In skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, and broth. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Ingredients Add pasta and meatballs back into skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat with sauce.
- Add Cheese & Finish Stir in cheddar gradually until melted and creamy. Garnish with herbs or bacon. Serve hot.
Notes
- Pre-cooked meatballs save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooking pasta in the sauce infuses it with smoky BBQ flavor.
- Add cheese slowly to avoid clumping.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with broth.
- Customize with veggies or proteins to suit your family’s taste.