Why You’ll Love This Recipe
BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Pasta Skillet is the kind of meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It combines tender meatballs, smoky barbecue sauce, creamy ranch seasoning, and sharp cheddar cheese into a hearty pasta dish that feels indulgent and deeply satisfying. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without extra dishes.
What really makes this recipe stand out is the flavor combination. The sweetness of the barbecue sauce pairs surprisingly well with the tangy ranch and rich cheddar, creating a sauce that coats every bite of pasta and meatball. I tested this dish using both homemade and frozen meatballs, and it works beautifully either way. It is filling, family-friendly, and flexible enough to adjust to different tastes. If you enjoy bold, savory dinners that come together quickly, this skillet recipe is one you will want to keep on repeat.
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BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Pasta Skillet – Bold, Cheesy, One-Pan Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and comforting one-skillet pasta dish featuring juicy meatballs tossed in smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheddar cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook until heated through and lightly browned.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce is warmed and slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use spicy BBQ sauce for extra kick.
- Ground beef or turkey meatballs both work well.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Meatballs
Meatballs provide the hearty protein in this dish. Beef, pork, or a blend all work well, and fully cooked meatballs save time.
Pasta
Short pasta shapes such as rotini or penne work best. They hold the sauce well and mix evenly with the meatballs.
Barbecue sauce
Barbecue sauce adds smoky sweetness and depth. A thicker sauce works best for coating the pasta.
Ranch seasoning
Ranch seasoning adds tangy, herby flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and barbecue sauce.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese brings sharpness and creaminess, melting into the sauce for a rich finish.
Onion
Onion adds savory depth and mild sweetness to the skillet.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the overall flavor and complements the barbecue notes.
Milk or cream
Milk or cream helps loosen the sauce and create a smooth, cheesy texture.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted carefully due to seasoned ingredients.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and balance.
Directions
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until heated through and lightly browned. Stir in the barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning, mixing well to coat the meatballs evenly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the milk or cream, stirring to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet briefly until the cheese melts.
Remove from heat, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 5 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes. Total time required is roughly 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Pasta Skillet is easy to customize. For a spicier version, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add red pepper flakes. Smoked cheddar can replace regular cheddar for deeper flavor.
You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra texture and nutrition. For a lighter option, use turkey meatballs and reduced-fat cheese while keeping the same sauce ratios.
If you prefer a baked finish, transfer the skillet contents to an oven-safe dish, top with extra cheese, and bake briefly until bubbly. These adjustments allow you to tailor the dish while keeping its bold, comforting character.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, fully cooked frozen meatballs work very well.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works best.
Is this dish very sweet?
It is balanced, but sweetness depends on the barbecue sauce used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add hot sauce or chili flakes to taste.
Does this work with chicken meatballs?
Yes, chicken meatballs are a great alternative.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, additional cheese can be added for extra richness.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Add a splash of milk when reheating if needed.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are bold but familiar.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check sauce labels.
Conclusion
BBQ Ranch Meatball & Cheddar Pasta Skillet is a bold, comforting one-pan meal that brings together smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without extra effort. This is a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers comfort food at its best.
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