Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for pure coziness in a casserole dish, the Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is about to become your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with the lively flavors of ranch, sweet roasted corn, and hearty ground beef, this family-friendly bake ticks all the boxes for an easy comfort meal. The bowtie pasta soaks up a gorgeously tangy ranch and garlic butter cheese sauce, while a bubbly finish in the oven brings everything together in golden, melty harmony. It’s approachable, customizable, and truly a repeat-worthy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this dish is refreshingly simple, and every component brings a special touch—whether it’s creamy texture, cheesy richness, or vibrant pops of color. Stock up on these pantry and fridge staples for an irresistible Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole.
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These fun little shapes hold onto the creamy sauce and bake up beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- Ground beef: Provides savory depth and heartiness; you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if desired.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the pasta and beef throughout.
- Ranch seasoning mix: The secret weapon—this brings zingy, herby flavor to the whole dish.
- Unsalted butter: Melted with garlic for that unforgettable, aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver big flavor when sautéed in butter.
- Frozen or canned roasted corn: Sweet and smoky, it brightens up the whole casserole.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silky creaminess to the sauce.
- Cream cheese (softened): Lends richness and helps the cheese sauce cling to every bite.
- Milk: Loosens the sauce just enough for perfect creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and bold, it’s the casserole’s crowning glory.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives a gooey finish and lovely cheese pulls.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start things off by boiling the bowtie pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This will give you a tender, toothsome base that absorbs flavors without turning mushy in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside—you’ll combine everything soon!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Add Ranch Seasoning
Meanwhile, heat that splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning, and cook, breaking it up, until the meat is browned and fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes. The ranch blend transforms the beef into something irresistibly savory and a little bit tangy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Once your beef is cooked, push it over to one side of the pan. Drop in the butter and let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is golden and aromatic, stirring everything together so the beef picks up all that garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Warm the Roasted Corn
Next, stir in the roasted corn and let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. This brings a hint of sweetness and bright pops of color throughout the Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole, balancing out the richness of the beef and dairy.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and add sour cream, softened cream cheese, and milk right into the pan. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This silky sauce ties everything together, coating each bit of beef, corn, and pasta in cheesy ranchy comfort.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Pour in the cooked bowtie pasta and gently toss to cover every piece with that luscious sauce. Stir in one cup of cheddar cheese, which melts in for next-level cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling extra, sneak in a pinch of hot sauce or smoked paprika!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top for an epic cheesy crust. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for five minutes—this makes slicing and serving easier, and helps the flavors settle.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole

Garnishes
Once your Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole emerges piping hot from the oven, consider adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top. It brightens both the look and flavor, giving each cheesy forkful a pop of green and a little herbal freshness. You could also sprinkle some sliced scallions or a light dusting of extra ranch seasoning for even more ranch-forward magic.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad—think romaine with cherry tomatoes and a creamy dressing, to play up those ranch vibes. For even more color and crunch, roasted broccoli or garlic bread are classic partners that make dinner feel like a true feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to change things up, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a dinner-party twist. Or, pile the casserole onto toasted bread slices as hearty open-faced sandwiches for a fun, kid-friendly spin. The Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is also delicious scooped into bell pepper halves and baked for a colorful, veggie-rich version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole hold up beautifully. Once cooled, transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The cheese stays creamy, and the flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply assemble as directed but don’t bake—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Even after reheating, the sauce remains rich and smooth.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through. Smaller portions can also be microwaved in a pinch—just stir halfway for even heating. The casserole stays creamy and satisfying, no matter how you rewarm it.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta is perfect for capturing the cheesy ranch sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or shells—whatever you have on hand. Just cook to al dente, so it holds up after baking.
Is there a lighter version of this casserole?
You can easily lighten up the dish by using lean ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat milk and cheese. The Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole will still be flavorful and creamy, just a bit more waistline-friendly!
Can I make this casserole ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed—a true winner for busy weeknights and make-ahead lunches.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted corn?
Regular frozen or canned corn works just fine if fire-roasted isn’t available. For extra flavor, sauté it in a bit of olive oil or directly in the skillet until it’s lightly golden and a little caramelized before adding to the casserole.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! The Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is a fantastic party or potluck option. Just double all the ingredients and use two baking dishes, or one extra-large pan. Everyone will want seconds, so it’s always a good idea to make more.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole is the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again and again—simple to prepare, loaded with flavor, and wonderfully shareable. Give it a try and watch it become a much-loved staple in your home kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Ranch Beef and Roasted Corn Bowtie Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of garlic, butter, ranch, beef, and roasted corn in this comforting bowtie pasta casserole. Creamy and cheesy, this dish is a perfect blend of savory ingredients that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Bowtie Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen or canned corn (preferably fire-roasted)
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook beef with seasonings until browned.
- Add butter and garlic to the pan, then add corn.
- Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, and milk until melted.
- Add pasta and cheddar cheese, mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake.
- Rest and garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg