Here’s a fun and flavorful recipe for a Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake! This dish is packed with savory flavors from the seasoned beef, honey BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing, all baked together with bowtie pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- For the Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (preferably homemade or your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra zing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking beef)
- For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat, then season the beef with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey BBQ sauce and ranch dressing until smooth. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and ranch to your taste preference (more BBQ for sweetness, more ranch for creaminess).
4. Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bowtie pasta, cooked beef mixture, and the honey BBQ ranch sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix everything together well.
5. Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional shredded cheese if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Add Vegetables: You can add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for added veggies in the dish.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare this bake in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when you’re ready to serve.
This Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Bowtie Bake is a crowd-pleaser with its combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering! 🍝🍗