Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Corn Bowties

This Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Corn Bowties is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal! Loaded with hearty ground beef, sweet corn, and tender bowtie pasta all coated in a rich, cheesy ranch-infused cream sauce it’s a dish the whole family will crave. Best part? The slow cooker does most of the work. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz bowtie pasta

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Add ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, beef broth, and drained corn. Stir everything to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and uncooked bowtie pasta. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
5. Add shredded cheddar cheese, mix well until melted, and serve hot.

Variation

1. Swap the Protein:
Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even spicy Italian sausage in place of beef. Each option changes the flavor profile slightly turkey gives a lighter touch, while sausage adds bold, savory notes.

2. Add Veggies:
Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These blend beautifully into the creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.

3. Make It Spicy:
Craving a kick? Stir in a chopped jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or a few dashes of hot sauce. The heat balances out the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar.

Cooking Notes

2. Cream Cheese Timing Matters:
Add the cream cheese toward the end to keep the sauce smooth and velvety. If added too early, it can curdle or separate after long cooking.

3. Pasta Cooking Tip:
Add the bowtie pasta in the last 30 minutes only adding it too early will cause it to overcook and get mushy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and a perfectly creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
   Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the rich, creamy base.
2. Pair with Garlic Bread:
   A side of warm, buttery garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks makes the perfect pairing to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
3. Add a Crisp Salad:
   Balance out the hearty main dish with a light, crunchy salad think romaine with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette.

Tips

1. Make It Ahead:
   This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
2. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese:
   For the creamiest result, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat versions can sometimes give the sauce a grainy texture.
3. Stir Gently:
   Once the cream cheese and cheddar are in, stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta. This keeps the texture just right and ensures even distribution of that luscious, cheesy sauce.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW) or 3 hours (on HIGH)
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 940mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! While bowties (farfalle) work beautifully in this recipe, you can also use penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to use a sturdy pasta that holds up well in slow cooking.
2. Can I make this ahead and reheat it?
   Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
   Cream-based pastas can sometimes separate when frozen, but this one freezes reasonably well. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and reheat slowly with a little added liquid.
4. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
   If you’re out of ranch seasoning, mix 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder with a pinch of salt and pepper — it’s a quick DIY ranch flavor!

Conclusion

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Corn Bowties is the kind of meal that makes weeknights easy and satisfying. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you get a hearty, comforting dinner the whole family will love. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat — and nobody’s complaining about that!

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