The Best Yellowstone Frozen Dish In Stores Is Wildly Tasty And Packs 37 Grams Of Protein

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Inspired by the TV series, Yellowstone frozen meals set out to deliver comforting flavors and easy meals that aim to make the taste of home cooking convenient. One of our Tasting Table writers sampled and ranked 12 Yellowstone frozen meals to see whether this is a product that is more than just show. After sampling dishes like Out of the Saddle Crispy Chicken and Poblano Mac & Cheese and Jimmy's Cowboy Chili with Beans, Rip's Ranch Hand Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake came out on top. 

The meal is a Tex-Mex-inspired pasta made with meat sauce. Wavy cavatappi noodles lap up juices from ground beef and hug seasoned tomato sauce rich with spices, garlic, onion, and celery. Cheddar cheese is melted over the top of the dish, making sure each bite is a cheesy delight. Though the ingredient list is shorter than the other meals sampled, the recipe is packed with flavor. Plus, with 37 grams of protein in one container, Rip's Pasta Bake will hold you over until the next feed. Those who have sampled the dish agree. "These are soooo good. I live off of the Rip's Ranch Hand. Add in some Townhouse crackers crumbled up and it's just amazing for five bucks," wrote a fan on Reddit. "I love this one! And it's big enough that I can get two meals out of it," added another. 

When there are plenty of options for frozen dinner brands, raving customer reviews count. "I was skeptical about these after the Gordon Ramsey meals let me down. But this [Ranch Hand] pasta was delicious," wrote a customer on Reddit. Some cook the dish in an air fryer and add extras like fresh parsley, green onions, or a bonus layer of shredded cheese to customize the dish. Lovers of heat can add hot sauce and red pepper flakes. For those wanting to use the bake as part of meal prep, extra protein like grilled steak, shredded brisket, tofu, or bacon crumbles can bulk up the ready-made dish even further. A splash of milk or milk substitute can thin out the sauce, and some customers have spruced up their dishes with garlic salt to taste.

Served with a simple side salad or a crusty garlic loaf, a satisfying meal is simple to set on the table. If you're looking for a quick pasta for easy weeknight dinners, Rip's Ranch Hand Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake is a solid bet to stock in your kitchen, regardless of whether or not you've seen the show.