The Creamiest Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet Recipe With Sweet Corn
Ranch dressing adds a zesty twist to our creamy beef bowtie skillet that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Comfort meets creativity in this one-pan wonder packed with flavor.
Tender beef and soft bowties create a delightful texture playground.
Sweet corn kernels burst with natural sweetness, complementing the rich, tangy sauce.
Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Cozy and quick, this meal promises to become your new go-to recipe that everyone will request again and again.
Reasons to Love Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet
What Goes Into Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet
For the Pasta:For the Protein:For the Dairy and Cream:For the Vegetables:For the Seasonings and Extras:For the Garnish:How to Prepare Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
Drop the bowtie pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain the pasta, but save a splash of pasta water for later.
Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.
Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.
Season with salt and pepper. Drain any extra fat.
Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sizzle and stir until they become soft and release their irresistible fragrance.
Step 4: Whip Up the Ranch Sauce
Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the sauteed vegetables. Pour in sour cream and whisk until smooth.
Let the sauce simmer and thicken. Fold in sweet corn kernels and mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Marry the Ingredients
Slide the cooked beef back into the skillet. Add the bowtie pasta and gently toss everything together.
If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Generously scatter shredded cheese over the top of the skillet.
Cover and let the cheese transform into a gooey, melted blanket for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Final Flourish
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top.
Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.
Tips for Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet Success
Variations to Try with Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet
Pairing Ideas for Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet
How to Keep Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet Fresh
FAQs
Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor that elevates the creamy sauce, bringing a zesty kick to the ground beef and pasta.
Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.
Absolutely! The combination of cheese, corn, and mild ranch flavor makes this a crowd-pleasing meal that children typically love.
Consider adding extra protein by mixing in cooked bacon bits, diced chicken, or increasing the amount of ground beef in the skillet.
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Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet With Sweet Corn Magic Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Creamy ranch beef bowtie skillet delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful pan. Hearty pasta, tender beef, and sweet corn blend seamlessly, promising a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sweet corn
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Creamy Components:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) reserved pasta water
Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley or chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare a generous pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Extract 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Crumble ground beef, cooking for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Eliminate excess fat and transfer beef to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence until soft and translucent.
- Dust ranch seasoning over softened aromatics. Introduce sour cream, whisking to create a velvety sauce. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes. Fold in sweet corn, ensuring even distribution.
- Reintegrate browned beef into the skillet. Incorporate cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly. If sauce appears dense, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the skillet. Cover and let cheese melt completely, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley or chives as a vibrant garnish. Serve piping hot, directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to the bowtie pasta.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- Use fresh or grilled corn during summer for an intense sweet burst, or opt for frozen corn as a convenient year-round alternative.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute some sour cream with Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining rich, tangy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.