If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both weeknight-easy and truly crowd-pleasing, look no further than this Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole. This bubbling bake is packed with savory ground beef, sweet corn, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce that hugs every ingredient. Layered with bubbling mozzarella and cheddar, it’s a dinner that hits all the right nostalgic notes, and I can’t wait to share every scrumptious detail with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole builds incredible flavor or adds the perfect touch of texture. From the bright, sweet corn to the velvety richness of sour cream and cheese, each component is classic casserole magic just waiting to happen.
- Bowtie pasta: This shape cradles the sauce beautifully, making every bite extra satisfying.
- Ground beef: Provides savory richness and heartiness as the anchor of the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Imparts a silky, buttery flavor base for sautéing and melding the garlic and beef.
- Garlic: Four cloves give this casserole its aromatic allure and a gentle warmth throughout.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Lends that unmistakable herb-forward, tangy punch that makes each bite pop.
- Frozen roasted corn: Brings sweet, smoky kernels that contrast beautifully with creamy and cheesy elements.
- Sour cream: Delivers tang and helps create that luscious, craveable sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, melty goodness with a mild, creamy flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and a golden finish on top when baked.
- Whole milk: Lightens the sauce just enough to keep it rich but not heavy.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch for a gentle kick.
- Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle, smoky intensity that makes the casserole sing.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by cooking your bowtie pasta in a big pot of salted, boiling water until just al dente. This step is crucial because overcooked pasta can get too soft during baking. Once the bowties are perfectly tender with a bit of bite, drain them well and set aside—you’ll want them ready to soak up all the ranchy, creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Melted Butter
Let the magic begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then tossing in minced garlic. Give it about a minute, just until the kitchen smells absolutely divine and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This is the backbone of flavor that gives your Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole its signature flair!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add ground beef right into your garlicky butter and use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You’re looking for deeply browned bits—that caramelization is where big flavor happens. Once it’s done, drain off any excess fat so your casserole never feels greasy.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, roasted corn, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. These bold flavors mingle with the beef, creating a mouthwatering base for the entire casserole. The roasted corn adds pop and a hint of sweetness, brightening up every bite.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Turn down the heat and add sour cream and whole milk, stirring until everything comes together into a beautifully creamy, ranch-kissed sauce. Then, sprinkle in half the mozzarella and cheddar, letting them melt into the warm mixture for irresistible stretch and richness.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Transfer
Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into your luscious beef and corn mixture, making sure every ruffle of pasta is cloaked in sauce. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for a tempting, full-to-the-brim base.
Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the top, creating that trademark golden, bubbly lid we all dream of. Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, until everything is piping hot and the cheese is gloriously melted and gold-flecked.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for just a few minutes (if you can wait!) before scattering over fresh parsley for brightness. Grab your biggest serving spoon—your Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your casserole with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you want extra flair, sprinkle on some chives or even a scattering of crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole. Try adding warm garlic bread or a simple steamed veggie like broccoli to complete the meal—your family will be begging for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or potlucks, try portioning this casserole into individual ceramic ramekins for charming, personal servings. Or top the entire thing with a sprinkle of hot sauce for a bold, spicy twist. No matter how you present it, this dish always looks—and tastes—like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply let your Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or move to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, so you can enjoy the comfort all week long.
Freezing
This casserole is seriously freezer-friendly. Assemble as directed but hold off on baking; wrap the unbaked dish tightly in two layers of foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a cozy dinner, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until hot throughout. Individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch—just add a splash of milk to keep everything creamy and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta gives classic texture and charm, rotini, penne, or even shells work beautifully in Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up during baking.
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have a ranch seasoning packet on hand, mix together some dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of buttermilk powder or dried milk. It’s a great way to customize the herbiness in this casserole.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans—they’ll all take on those amazing ranch and garlic flavors. For an extra layer of taste, sauté a bit more garlic and roasted corn before adding the cheese and sour cream.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Don’t be shy with the sauce ingredients—using the full amount of milk, sour cream, and cheese ensures your Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole bakes up creamy and luscious every time. Covering loosely with foil for part of the baking time can also help lock in moisture.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor?
For a flavor boost, try stirring in a handful of cooked, crispy bacon or adding a dash of hot sauce right into the sauce. You can even top the casserole with extra smoked paprika or some grated Parmesan before baking for the ultimate finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a heartwarming, fuss-free dinner that always delights, you cannot go wrong with Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole. It’s creamy, savory, loaded with family-friendly flavors, and pure comfort in a dish. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender bowtie pasta with seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch flavors, and sweet roasted corn, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Bowtie Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup frozen roasted corn, thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Pasta: Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Sauté garlic in butter, add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in ranch seasoning, corn, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add sour cream and milk, then mix in half of the cheeses.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stir to combine. Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use canned or fresh corn if roasted corn is unavailable.
- For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
