Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic

Okay, friends, if you’re craving a dinner that’s as comforting as it is quick and full of flavor, this Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic is calling your name. Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug in a skillet, combining the savory goodness of beef, the richness of a creamy ranch sauce, and the sweet pop of corn to create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic

All-In-One Meal

One pan. Minimal effort. Big flavor. That’s the magic of this dish. You’ve got your protein, carbs, and veggies all in one, making it the perfect quick meal after a busy day or a fun, easy dinner for a crowd.

Easy and Quick

This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes—yes, you heard that right. It’s perfect for those days when you need to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing taste.

Comfort Food at Its Best

Between the creamy ranch sauce and the tender beef, this dish is pure comfort. Plus, the sweet corn adds a nice burst of flavor and texture that elevates the whole thing. It’s rich, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Kid-Friendly

Got picky eaters? This dish is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. The creamy, savory flavor with just the right amount of sweetness from the corn is sure to win everyone over.

Customizable

This recipe is perfect for tweaking based on your tastes or what you have in your pantry. Add some extra veggies, switch up the pasta shape, or throw in a little extra cheese—it’s easy to make it your own!

Ingredients in Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic

Here’s the lowdown on what goes into making this magic skillet meal:

For the Skillet:

  • Ground Beef: The base of the dish. Tender, juicy beef adds that hearty, savory flavor that makes this meal so satisfying.
  • Bowtie Pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto the creamy sauce. You could use any pasta, but bowties really make it feel special.
  • Sweet Corn: A little surprise ingredient! The sweet, juicy corn adds a fun, bright pop of flavor to balance out the richness.
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: The key to the creamy, flavorful sauce that ties everything together. It’s zesty, herbaceous, and just perfect for this dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. It makes it thick, smooth, and irresistible.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A melty, cheesy touch that brings everything together in a deliciously gooey way.
  • Garlic: A touch of garlic to give the dish an extra depth of flavor.
  • Olive Oil: For cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the beef and creating a nice base for your sauce.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this meal on the table!

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

While the pasta is cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef and garlic, cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, add the ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and a splash of water or broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and smooth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, just add a little more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Stir in Corn and Cheese

Add the sweet corn to the skillet, stirring to combine. Then, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to stir until everything is melted and creamy.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and gently toss it to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well mixed and covered in that cheesy goodness.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy ranch beef and pasta into bowls and serve immediately. Top with extra cheese, if desired, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 690mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic

With a Side Salad

Pair this creamy skillet with a crisp green salad, maybe something with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. It’s a great balance to all that creamy goodness.

Crusty Bread

A warm, crusty bread to scoop up that extra sauce? Yes, please. It’s the perfect sidekick to this comforting dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve it with a side of roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to add a nice, healthy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Extra Cheese

Feeling cheesy? You can never go wrong with a little extra shredded cheddar on top of this dish before serving. It’ll melt beautifully into the sauce and make it even more indulgent.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef as it cooks. The spicy kick pairs really well with the creamy ranch sauce.

Swap the Protein

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish. Ground sausage would also be a tasty (and flavorful) swap.

Use Frozen Corn

If you don’t have fresh or canned corn, frozen corn works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the skillet.

Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Double It

This recipe is so easy to double if you’re cooking for a crowd or want to have leftovers for the week. Just use a larger skillet or cook it in batches!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Yes! Feel free to use any type of pasta you like—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would all work well with this creamy sauce.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove with a little extra liquid to keep the sauce creamy.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?

A3: Yes, this dish freezes really well! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove with a splash of water.

Q4: What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

A4: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own with a mix of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Q5: Can I add more veggies?

A5: Definitely! Add some spinach, peas, or even diced bell peppers to the skillet for some extra color and nutrients.

Q6: How do I make this dish dairy-free?

A6: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, along with a dairy-free ranch seasoning mix. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for cooking.

Q7: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

A7: Yes, fresh corn works great! Just make sure to cook it first and remove the kernels from the cob before adding it to the skillet.

Q8: How can I make this spicier?

A8: Add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the beef as it cooks for an extra kick of heat.

Q9: How can I make this dish lighter?

A9: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories while still keeping it creamy.

Q10: Can I use a different pasta shape?

A10: Yes, any pasta shape you like will work! Penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni would all be great substitutes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and just a touch of sweetness from the corn. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Happy cooking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

 

This Creamy Ranch Beef Bowtie Skillet with Sweet Corn Magic is a comforting, one-pan meal that combines savory beef, creamy ranch sauce, and sweet corn with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the Garlic:
    Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Add the Corn and Seasoning:
    Stir in the sweet corn and ranch seasoning mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
    Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
  6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
    Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy ranch beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add Cheese (Optional):
    If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and smooth.
  8. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra veggies, you can add some diced bell peppers or spinach to the skillet.
  • For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor, if you like.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star