Description
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a comforting American casserole combining tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce. Topped with melted sharp cheddar, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner or satisfying leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 cup frozen or canned sweet corn, drained
Dairy & seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook pasta: Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta well and set aside.
- Cook beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Season and create sauce: Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika if using. Add the sweet corn, sour cream, cream cheese, and milk. Stir continually until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Melt cheese into sauce: Incorporate 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet mixture, stirring until melted and evenly distributed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy beef and corn sauce.
- Assemble bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra crunch, top the casserole with crushed butter crackers or crispy fried onions before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
