Description
This creamy ranch beef and sweet corn bowtie casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring tender ground beef seasoned with ranch spices, sweet corn, and a rich sour cream-cheese sauce. Perfect for a family meal, it combines hearty flavors with a golden, bubbly top.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
Meat & Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Beef and Season: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper as desired. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, and drained sweet corn into the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese quantities based on your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though the pasta may absorb more sauce over time.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheeses.
