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Creamy Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Bowtie Casserole

Creamy Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Bowtie Casserole
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Creamy Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Bowtie Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting one-dish meal combining savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, sweet corn kernels, and a rich ranch-seasoned creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or a cozy weeknight, this casserole offers familiar flavors that are simple to prepare and delightful to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk

Seasonings and Fats

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a tablespoon or two of the pasta water for later if needed. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and milk into the cooked beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
  4. Combine Pasta, Corn, and Cheese: Add the cooked bowtie pasta and sweet corn kernels to the skillet. Fold gently to combine and coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy ranch sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and gooey.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and tangy flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente works best as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
  • Season with salt and pepper throughout to taste.
  • For added texture, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: ranch casserole, beef casserole, creamy pasta bake, sweet corn casserole, family dinner, one dish meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/creamy-ranch-beef-and-sweet-corn-bowtie-casserole/