Description
A simple one-skillet dinner featuring tender meatballs, pasta, smoky BBQ sauce, tangy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese. This BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Pasta Skillet is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb meatballs, frozen or homemade
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook for 6-7 minutes until heated through and browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in uncooked pasta. Ensure pasta is submerged.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and frozen corn (if using) over the mixture. Stir until cheese is melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Garnish with green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs can be substituted.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used; adjust cooking time as needed.
- For a dairy-free option, use a cashew-based ranch dressing and a vegan cheese substitute.
- Add spinach, kale, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Top with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- The dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg