Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a flavorful mix of BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning. This recipe is a family favorite, offering a balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious. It requires minimal prep time and delivers a bold, irresistible flavor. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly dish that makes enough to feed the whole family. The combination of honey BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning takes this bake to the next level, ensuring everyone at the table will ask for seconds!
How to Make Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake
Making this dish is simple and hassle-free. You’ll cook the pasta, prepare the beef, mix everything together, and bake it until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, honey BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and milk. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
How to Serve Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Serve it hot and enjoy a comforting, cheesy bite every time!
How to Store Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Tips to Make Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Keep an eye on the cheese while baking to ensure it melts to perfection without burning.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
Variation
- Swap out the bowtie pasta for another pasta shape like penne or rotini.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add crispy bacon bits on top for an extra crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Simply bake when ready to serve.
2. Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in the oven.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This bake pairs well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake with your loved ones!
Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, honey BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid overcooking. Add veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor!