Description
This Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich ranch-infused creamy sauce with ground beef, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal, it offers a delicious balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups frozen or canned sweet corn, drained
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the beef and stir to combine well.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in milk and add sour cream along with the drained sweet corn. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Cheese and Pasta: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting skillet meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For added nutrition and color, mix in chopped spinach or diced bell peppers along with the corn.
- To add a spicy kick, include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when adding the ranch seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American