Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic
Recipe Description:
This one-pan wonder combines tender beef, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, bowtie pasta, and sweet corn for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Quick, easy, and packed with rich flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory beef, tangy ranch, and sweet corn crunch.
Equipment
- Essential Equipment:
- ✔ Large skillet or sauté pan – A deep non-stick or cast-iron skillet is best for cooking the beef and mixing all ingredients.
- ✔ Large pot – To boil the bowtie pasta until al dente.
- ✔ Colander – For draining the pasta.
- ✔ Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and breaking up the ground beef while cooking.
- ✔ Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out the broth, cream, seasonings, and cheese.
- ✔ Chef’s knife – For chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- ✔ Cutting board – To prepare the onion and garlic.
- ✔ Grater – If using a block of cheese instead of pre-shredded cheddar.
- Optional Equipment:
- ✔ Tongs or pasta spoon – For tossing the pasta in the sauce.
- ✔ Lid for the skillet – Helps to simmer and melt the cheese evenly.
- ✔ Serving spoon – For plating the creamy pasta.
- This minimal equipment list ensures easy cooking and quick cleanup, making this a perfect one-pan recipe for busy nights! 🍽️🔥
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz bowtie pasta farfalle
- 1 cup frozen or fresh sweet corn
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add butter or olive oil, then cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned.
- Stir in garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Sprinkle in ranch seasoning mix and stir until blended.
- Add Pasta & Cheese
- Fold in cooked pasta and sweet corn.
- Let simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal!
Notes
Additional Notes:
For extra creaminess, add a touch of sour cream or cream cheese.
Enhance the beefy flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Balance the richness by serving with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Variations & Substitutions:
✅ Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
✅ Try different pasta: Penne or rotini work well in place of bowties.
✅ Add heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
✅ Make it a casserole: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
✅ Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free cheese.
✅ Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free pasta and check the ranch seasoning ingredients.
For extra creaminess, add a touch of sour cream or cream cheese.
Enhance the beefy flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Balance the richness by serving with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Variations & Substitutions:
✅ Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
✅ Try different pasta: Penne or rotini work well in place of bowties.
✅ Add heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
✅ Make it a casserole: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
✅ Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free cheese.
✅ Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free pasta and check the ranch seasoning ingredients.