Creamy Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Bowtie Casserole
This creamy and flavorful casserole combines tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a hearty, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine the filling:
- Stir in the corn, ranch dressing, sour cream, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and smoked paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or crushed crackers, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Add veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.