On busy weeknights, we need quick recipes that come together easily and don’t require a lot of work (or ingredients). But sometimes, these easy meals don’t deliver the flavor and taste we desire—that’s where ranch comes in.
A sachet of ranch seasoning packs a serious culinary punch. It adds tons of tang and herbaceous flavor that can completely transform a simple dish. Plus, kids tend to love the flavor of ranch just as much as adults do! Below, we’re sharing our favorite ranch-seasoned dishes that we use to feed our families week after week.
Easy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
With only six ingredients (including salt and pepper) this recipe is a breeze on a busy night. A whole pack of ranch seasoning mix is used here, giving the drummies a strong ranch flavor that pairs nicely with the char from the grill.
Grilled Turkey Burgers with Ranch Seasoning
A good turkey burger is all about the add-ins. This recipe uses two key ingredients to keep the turkey burgers moist and flavorful. The first is plain yogurt, which adds a tang and plenty of moisture to the mix. The second is ranch seasoning mix, which is packed with herbs and spices that do the heavy lifting for you.
Slow-Cooker Ranch Short Ribs
Thanks to ingredients like red wine and dijon, alongside ranch seasoning, these short ribs are surprisingly complex for such a straightforward recipe. “This was a hit with my picky husband,” according to one Allrecipes community member. “I used one onion and two garlic cloves. The ranch was a great idea.”
Ranch Red Skin Potato Salad
Soup Loving Nicole
Recipe creator ANGELOFRAA says that this ranchy potato salad is “easy to make, and great for potluck picnics.” Sounds like a winner to us! Reviewers state that it was a hit at their parties and potlucks, with several sharing that their friends and family now make special requests for this recipe.
Florentine Ranch Steak
This simple steak recipe comes together with just a handful of savory ingredients, including garlic and lemon, alongside ranch seasoning mix. Great to stick on the grill over in the summertime, when paired with a few quick sides, this recipe makes enough for the whole family.
BLT Pasta Salad
Allrecipes/Renee Pajestka
The pasta-fied version of our favorite sandwich? We’re in. One reviewer shared that they “could not believe how much it tasted like a BLT without the bread.” Others mentioned regularly bringing the dish to potlucks and gatherings. “Absolutely perfect and a hit every time I have brought it to a special occasion,” said one Allrecipes reviewer.
Chicken and Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Potatoes
This one-pan meal is great for busy nights—you have a protein, veg, and starch together in one simple dish. An Allrecipes reviewer stated that they “truly enjoyed this meal. It had everything you want in a meal. Thank you for the awesome recipe!” Some reviewers stated that they needed longer cooking time than the recipe states, so keep an eye on your oven.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Burger Sliders
Peyton Beckwith
Our very own Nicole McLaughlin created these Cheesy Bacon Ranch Burger Sliders that have a “double hit of ranch.” Topped with cheese, onion, and pickle—these little burgers will quickly disappear, so we recommend making a double batch.
Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Before your kids write off pork chops forever, try out these simple Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops. This 3-ingredient (yes, three!) recipe takes seconds to put together but has a major flavor payoff. “Delicious,” said one reviewer. “Juicy and flavorful—a hit with the whole family.” If your chops are thicker than one inch, make sure to add some extra time to your air fry.
Loaded Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potatoes
What’s a ranch round-up without bacon, Cheddar, ranch option? These loaded potatoes have more than 150 5-star ratings, and for a good reason: It’s easy to make, a flexible formula, and filled with kid-loved ingredients like cheese and bacon.
“I took this to a church dinner tonight and everyone loved it,” says one Allrecipes reviewer. “It tasted exactly how I thought it would. This is my new go-to for any pot luck.”
Ranch Mac ‘n Cheese
Ranch and mac and cheese make an unexpected great pairing in this weeknight recipe. Hot, cheesy, and savory, this dish is a hit for parents and kids alike—plus, it bakes up quick. Don’t believe us? Allrecipes member Sara Marsan said “not a noodle left in the pan! This was amazing.”
More Inspiration:
Peyton Beckwith
