Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Corn Bowties
The Ultimate “Set It and Forget It” Comfort Food
This hearty, cheesy pasta dish is creamy, comforting, and effortless. Perfect for busy days, it lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you relax. Tender ground beef, sweet corn, and tangy ranch seasoning come together in a luscious sauce that hugs every bowtie pasta piece.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
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3 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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½ cup milk
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black pepper
Optional garnishes: chopped parsley or chives, extra shredded cheddar
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains.
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Drain excess grease and transfer beef to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
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Add drained corn, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Stir well—cream cheese will melt during cooking.
3. Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2–2.5 hours).
4. Cook the Pasta
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About 20 minutes before the slow cooker finishes, cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
5. Finish the Dish
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Stir the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar into the slow cooker.
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Let sit 5–10 minutes with the lid off to thicken slightly.
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Garnish with parsley, chives, or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
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Extra Veggies: Add 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup frozen peas during the last 10 minutes.
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Spicy Twist: Swap cheddar for Mexican blend cheese, add diced green chiles, and use taco seasoning instead of ranch.
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Chicken Version: Replace beef with 1.5 lbs diced chicken breast or thighs.
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Lightened-Up: Use ground turkey, low-fat cream cheese, skim milk, and whole wheat pasta.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 Cal per serving
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 26g