Description
Honey bbq ranch beef bowtie bake delivers southwestern comfort with bold ranch-infused flavors. Rich protein layers blend perfectly with hearty pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies deep hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
Pasta and Dairy:
- 1 pound (1 lb) bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- Water (for boiling)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Green onions
- Extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray to prevent adhering.
- Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, then cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidance. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, crumbling ground beef while cooking until completely browned. Eliminate excess fat, returning meat to the pan.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, incorporating honey BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece receives an even, luxurious coating of the zesty mixture.
- Carefully transfer the beef and pasta combination into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden blanket of potential deliciousness.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
- Extract the casserole from the oven, permitting it to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Enhance the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or an additional drizzle of BBQ sauce for extra flavor drama.
Notes
- Perfectly brown ground beef by using a high-heat method, ensuring moisture is eliminated and creating delicious caramelized edges.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy ranch seasoning to match personal taste preferences.
- Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular bowtie pasta with chickpea or gluten-free alternative pasta varieties.
- Reduce calorie content by using lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese without compromising rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg