Description
Loaded cheddar ranch beef is a hearty, savory comfort food combining juicy ground beef with sharp aged cheddar, zesty ranch seasoning, and fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings. Creamy sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions finish it off for a family-friendly, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Mince the garlic. Grate the cheddar cheese if it isn’t pre-shredded. Having all ingredients ready will streamline the cooking process.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over the beef and vegetables. Add diced tomatoes and stir well. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cheddar and Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream gently until cheese melts and mixture becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions and a pinch of fresh black pepper. Serve hot with your favorite sides or in taco shells for an easy handheld meal.
Notes
- Choose sharp, high-quality aged cheddar for best flavor and meltiness.
- Drain excess beef fat to keep the dish rich but not greasy.
- Simmering the mixture allows ranch seasoning to fully infuse for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh garlic and diced vegetables for brightness and aroma.
- Adjust sour cream quantity to modify creaminess from rich to lighter consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg