Description
Ranch beef and sweet corn bowtie casserole blends comfort with zesty ranch flavors in a hearty midwestern-style dish. Cheese-laden layers and crisp corn kernels promise a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 8 oz (226 g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve in a separate bowl, ensuring pasta maintains its structural integrity.
- Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef in a large skillet, breaking down into fine crumbles. Drain excess fat, then incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet corn kernels, ranch dressing, sour cream, initial cheese portion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a cohesive and robust flavor profile that harmonizes all ingredients.
- Casserole Assembly: Transfer pasta and meat mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure balanced distribution. Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious blanket of dairy goodness.
- Thermal Transformation: Preheat oven to 375F. Bake casserole for 20 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts into a golden-brown, bubbling masterpiece that signals culinary perfection.
- Serving Finale: Remove from oven and allow brief resting period. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or crispy toppings. Serve immediately to preserve temperature and maximize flavor intensity.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baked, ensuring a perfect bite and preventing pasta from becoming overly soft during the casserole’s final cooking stage.
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: Eliminate excess fat by carefully draining ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole, using a colander or paper towels to remove unwanted liquid that could compromise the dish’s creamy consistency.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese freshly and mix different varieties for enhanced flavor complexity, allowing cheeses to melt evenly and create a golden, bubbling top with maximum flavor and appealing visual texture.
- Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles for lighter versions, use low-fat dairy alternatives, and substitute regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg