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Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Pasta

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This Zesty Honey BBQ Ranch Beef Pasta Bake is a flavor-packed, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines the best of BBQ, ranch, and pasta into one irresistible meal. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a rich, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce mixed with creamy ranch, savory ground beef, and topped with a melty cheddar-mozzarella cheese blend. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings! Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the cheese topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: Bowtie pasta (farfalle) works best for holding the sauce, but you can substitute with penne, rotini, or macaroni.
  • Meat Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat can be used instead of beef.
  • Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicier BBQ sauce for extra heat.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Tip: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the pasta moist.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/zesty-honey-bbq-ranch-beef-pasta/