Created on August 10th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Cheddar Ranch Pasta Bake
This cheesy, ranch-flavored pasta bake is the weeknight dinner that wins every time. Tender bowtie pasta, savory beef, sweet corn, and melty cheddar come together in a creamy ranch sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon, diced bell peppers, or ½ tsp red pepper flakes for spice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta 🍝
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. - Brown Beef 🥩
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes), then drain excess grease. - Add Corn & Ranch 🌽
Stir in the corn and ranch seasoning. Let cook for 2 minutes to infuse flavor. - Make Sauce 🧀
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, stirring until melted into a creamy sauce. - Combine & Bake
Toss pasta into the sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar. - Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, then bake as directed.
- Veggie Boost: Add peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Serving Idea: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full meal.
📊 Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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