These Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops are a quick, satisfying dinner with bold ranch flavor and gooey melted cheddar on top. They grill or pan-sear in minutes, producing a savory crust, juicy interior, and a rich, cheesy finish. The aroma of ranch seasoning and warm cheddar will fill your kitchen and make weeknight cooking feel special.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 520 kcal
- Protein: 46 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 37 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Nutrition values are estimates based on typical beef chops, one packet of ranch seasoning, 1 cup shredded cheddar divided across four servings, and added olive oil. Values will vary with chop size and brand of seasoning.
Why Make This Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and forgiving. Ranch seasoning gives the chops a bright, herb-forward punch while the cheddar adds a creamy, salty finish. The dish offers a great balance of savory meat, crunchy seared edges, and melty cheese. It works for busy weeknights, simple weekend grilling, or when you want a hearty, comforting meal without fuss.
How to Make Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops
You’ll season the chops, sear or grill them over medium heat, and finish with shredded cheddar so it melts into a glossy topping. The method keeps cooking times short so the meat stays juicy. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and let the chops rest a few minutes before serving.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef chops
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat a grill or a heavy skillet over medium heat. Pat the beef chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
Step 2: Mixing
Rub each chop with olive oil so the seasoning sticks. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over both sides of each chop. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that ranch mix and cheddar add salt too.
Step 3: Cooking
Place the chops on the hot grill or skillet. Cook about 4–5 minutes per side for medium (time varies with thickness). Sear until the outside is nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
Step 4: Finishing
During the last minute of cooking, top each chop with shredded cheddar. Cover the grill or skillet briefly so the cheese melts into a glossy layer. Remove the chops from heat and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.
How to Serve Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops
Serve hot with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The cheese pairs well with sweet roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw. For a casual meal, place chops on toasted buns for a ranchy sandwich. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
How to Store Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops
- Refrigerator: Store cooled chops in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. To keep cheese from drying, cover with foil while reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops
- Use room-temperature chops for even cooking. Take them out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking.
- Dry the meat well before seasoning to get a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill — give each chop space for the best crust.
- A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness.
- If ranch mix is very salty, skip extra salt until after a taste.
- For a crispier top, broil for 30–60 seconds after adding cheese, watching closely.
Delicious Variations
- Swap pork chops or boneless chicken breasts for beef if you prefer lighter meat.
- Mix 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs with the cheese and sprinkle on top for a crunchy finish.
- Add chopped jalapeño to the cheese for a spicy kick.
- Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Brush chops with a little butter and garlic during the last minute for richer taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake these chops instead of grilling or pan-searing?
A: Yes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sear chops in a hot skillet 1–2 minutes per side, then transfer to the oven and bake 6–10 minutes depending on thickness. Add cheese in the last minute and broil briefly to melt if needed.
Q: How do I know when the chops are done without a thermometer?
A: Use timing and touch. For 1-inch chops, 4–5 minutes per side usually yields medium. Press the center: soft equals rare; slightly springy equals medium; firm equals well done. A thermometer is the most reliable method.
Q: Is the ranch seasoning very salty?
A: Many store-bought ranch mixes contain salt. Taste a small amount of the dry mix if you can or use half the packet and add more after cooking if needed. You can also use a low-sodium ranch mix.
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Yes. Rub the chops with oil and ranch and store sealed in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking. This can deepen the flavor. Don’t add cheese until just before serving.
Q: What thickness of chop works best?
A: Chops about 1 inch thick cook evenly in the suggested time. Thicker chops need more time; thinner ones will cook faster. Adjust times and use a thermometer for best results.
Q: How do I get the cheese to melt evenly?
A: Cover the pan or close the grill lid for the last minute to trap heat and melt the cheese. You can also briefly broil the chops after adding cheese for an even melt and slight browning—watch closely to avoid burning.
Conclusion
Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops are an easy, crowd-pleasing meal with big flavor and a quick cook time — perfect for weeknights or low-effort entertaining. The ranch seasoning gives a bright herbal note while the melted cheddar adds comforting richness. If you want to pair this dish with classic bar-style sides or get inspired by hearty menu ideas, check out Big Whiskey’s American Sports Bar menu for serving ideas and flavor pairings. Give these chops a try — they’re simple, tasty, and sure to become a fast favorite.
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Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Cheddar Ranch Beef Chops are a quick, satisfying dinner with bold ranch flavor and gooey melted cheddar on top.
Ingredients
- 4 beef chops
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or a heavy skillet over medium heat. Pat the beef chops dry with paper towels.
- Rub each chop with olive oil and sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over both sides. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chops on the hot grill or skillet. Cook about 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned and desired doneness is reached.
- During the last minute of cooking, top each chop with shredded cheddar and cover to melt.
- Remove the chops from heat and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with roasted vegetables or on toasted buns for a ranchy sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
