There’s something magical about a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven. And this Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole? It’s pure comfort food bliss! With rich flavors of buttery ranch-seasoned beef, roasted corn, and a creamy cheese sauce coating every bite of bowtie pasta, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Get ready to make a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a big, comforting hug in the form of food!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor – Buttery garlic, ranch-seasoned beef, sweet roasted corn, and creamy, melty cheese all come together in the most delicious way!
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps here! Just brown the beef, cook the pasta, mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, savory casserole.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- One-Pan Convenience – Less cleanup, more deliciousness!
🧀 What Does This Casserole Taste Like?
Think of creamy, garlicky, cheesy pasta goodness, with juicy, flavorful ranch-infused beef and little pops of sweet roasted corn. The mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives the perfect balance of meltiness and sharp, bold flavor. And that crispy, golden top? Unreal!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to whip up this irresistible casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef – Adds heartiness and savory flavor.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix – The secret ingredient that adds herby, tangy, and buttery notes.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked bowtie pasta – Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup roasted corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture. Use fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The base of the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter – Enhances the richness and adds a hint of garlic flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty and gooey!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a sharp, bold cheesy bite.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – Because garlic + butter = heaven!
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for cooking beef
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl to combine everything
- Baking dish (9×13 works great!)
- Oven – Because baked, golden cheese is a must!
🍽️ How to Make Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole
Follow these easy steps to create this cheesy masterpiece:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef until no longer pink.
- Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Flavor & Corn
- Stir in 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 cup roasted corn.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Boil 1 ½ cups bowtie pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
5. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
6. Mix Everything Together
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and creamy cheese sauce.
- Stir until evenly coated.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before digging in.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky, ranch-infused deliciousness!
🥓 Can I Add Bacon?
Yes! If you want to level up this casserole, crispy bacon is the way to go. Simply:
- Cook 4-5 slices of bacon until crispy.
- Chop it into small pieces.
- Mix it in with the beef or sprinkle it on top before baking.
The salty, smoky crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy ranch and garlic flavors!
🏠 Make It a One-Pan Meal
Want to skip extra dishes? You can make this casserole in just one pan! Here’s how:
- Use an oven-safe skillet to brown the beef.
- Add the heavy cream, butter, and cheese sauce directly to the pan.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and roasted corn.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake as directed until golden and bubbly!
This trick saves time and cleanup while keeping all the flavors in one place.
🥗 Want a Low-Carb Version?
If you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, try these swaps:
✔️ Swap bowtie pasta for zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash.
✔️ Use heavy cream + cream cheese for an extra-rich sauce.
✔️ Add more protein with extra beef or even shredded chicken.
You’ll still get that cheesy, garlicky ranch goodness—just without the carbs!
🍲 Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! For an easy set-it-and-forget-it version:
- Brown the beef in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add the ranch seasoning, garlic, roasted corn, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- Stir in cooked pasta and cheese in the last 15 minutes to melt everything together.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This method makes the casserole even creamier and lets the flavors blend beautifully.
🍴 What to Serve with This Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but here are some delicious side ideas:
- Garlic Bread – More garlic? Yes, please!
- Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and nutrients.
- Pickles or Jalapeños – For a tangy, spicy kick.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Want to customize your casserole? Here are some ideas:
- Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Use Different Cheese – Try pepper jack, gouda, or parmesan for a unique twist.
- Add More Veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious.
❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven (350°F for 15 minutes) until heated through.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work just as well.
Q: How do I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I make this dish lighter?
A: Yes! Swap half-and-half for heavy cream, use lean ground beef or turkey, and reduce the cheese slightly.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and packed with incredible flavor. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag me!
🔥 More Cheesy Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
- Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice Casserole
- Baked Mac and Cheese with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Happy cooking! 🧀🔥🍽️