Description
This Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet is a quick and comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor! Tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and sweet corn are tossed in a tangy, creamy ranch sauce, then topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) bowtie pasta
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or heavy cream
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 cup (150 g) sweet corn
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley or chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove excess grease and transfer beef to a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic in residual oil for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Ranch Sauce: Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the onions and garlic. Stir in sour cream or heavy cream, then simmer for 2 minutes. Add sweet corn and mix well.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg