Cheesy Beef & Corn Bowtie Pasta Bake
Some dinners just feel like home. This Cheesy Beef & Corn Bowtie Pasta Bake is one of those meals that fills the kitchen with the scent of sizzling onions, savory beef, and melting cheese — the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking when it’ll be ready.
It’s hearty, creamy, and wonderfully comforting. The bowtie pasta catches all that rich beefy sauce in its little folds, sweet pops of corn add a bit of brightness, and the golden, bubbly cheese on top? That’s the best part. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or anytime you want something cozy and satisfying without too much fuss.
Let’s make something warm and cheesy.
Ingredients
12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup beef broth
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook it.
2. Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off.
3. Add the aromatics
Stir in the diced onion. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell that warm, savory aroma almost immediately.
4. Season and stir in the corn
Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beef is evenly seasoned.
Add the sweet corn and cook for about 2 minutes. The little bursts of sweetness balance the savory beef beautifully.
5. Make the creamy sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. This helps thicken the sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a creamy, velvety base.
6. Add the cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and rich.
7. Combine with pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that cheesy beef sauce.
8. Bake until golden
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and all of the Parmesan over the top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
For an extra bubbly, slightly crisp top, broil for 2–3 minutes — just keep a close eye on it.
9. Garnish and serve
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color.
Presentation
Serve this pasta bake straight from the oven while the cheese is still bubbling. A light dusting of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley make it look even more inviting.
If you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. And don’t forget to scoop deep into the corners of the dish — that’s where the cheese gets extra golden and irresistible.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 620 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef & Corn Bowtie Pasta Bake is comfort food at its best — creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to feel special.
If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this is the recipe to try. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.