Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic
We all love the Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic, which is ridiculously tasty. I mean bowtie pasta smothered in seasoned ground beef, ranch sauce, and sweet corn? Quick to throw together on a busy weeknight but rich enough to make it a weekend splurge, this dish is about to become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup. The whole thing is done in one skillet, so you won’t be stuck washing dishes after dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: Creamy ranch sauce, browned-to-perfection beef and sweet corn deliver layers of texture and flavor that you can’t resist.
- Kid-Approved: The mild ranch seasoning and the creaminess from the sweet corn make this one a hit with picky eaters.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is prepared in 30 minutes flat, well with the flow of busy schedules where home cooking is concerned, but still offering the satisfaction of comfort food.
- Globally Standardized: Well, want to do gluten-free? Swap out the pasta. Prefer a touch of spice? Add some red chili flakes. This recipe is as flexible as your cravings.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to the boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente (about 1 minute less than the package says). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large, deep skillet, heat over medium. Drizzle with olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until odoriferous (2 minutes or so).
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with paprika and salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Finally add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and ranch dressing and mix well to combine and make smooth and creamy. This is a savory base, thanks to that combination.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Corn and Pasta
Fold in the sweet corn and bowtie pasta, until everything is coated with the sauce. Cover and let simmer on very low heat for 3 to 5 minutes to give the flavors some time to develop.
Optional: Garnishes and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired, and top with fresh parsley, cheddar cheese or crispy bacon. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce better without getting mushy.
- Add Veggies: Want to bend the rules for more greens? Spinach or peas are lovely here.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or more milk.
- Make It Spicy: For spice lovers, adding a little cayenne or crushed chili flakes cranks up the heat.
Notes
How to Serve
This dish is substantial enough to stand alone, but it’s perfect with simple sides to complete the meal. Try it with:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Warm garlic bread
- Served with steamed green beans or roasted veggies
- A glass of your favorite white wine (or the grown-ups)
For meal prep, divide the skillet into individual containers and store in the refrigerator on a rack for up to 4 days. It’s just as tasty when you reheat it!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free version. Doublecheck that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten free too.
2. Can I replace beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, both ground turkey and chicken are great substitutes and make a slightly lighter dish.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk as necessary to loosen the sauce.
4. How can I make it without ranch dressing?
If you don’t love ranch, sour cream or Greek yogurt works well as a creamy alternative. You may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months, although the creamy sauce does lose some texture when frozen. Retaken on the stovetop, stirring and adding liquid as needed to refresh the sauce.
Your Ultimate Weeknight Cooking Toolkit
This Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic proves that comfort food isn’t necessarily more complicated cooking. It is a wholesome, family-friendly dish that delivers flavour, nutrition and ease to your dinner table.
Add this recipe to your next meal plan. Save it, give it a try and don’t forget to tag us in your culinary creations on social. Happy cooking!