Description
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy ranch sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines pasta and hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Mix
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Garnish
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the beef: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix along with salt and pepper according to your taste. Then add the sour cream and milk, mixing everything until it forms a creamy, well-blended sauce coating the beef thoroughly.
- Combine the bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, drained sweet corn, and the seasoned beef mixture. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping the casserole.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges, indicating the dish is hot and ready.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with diced green onions if desired for a fresh and appealing finish.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or elbow macaroni.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the beef.
- If preferred, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Make sure to drain the sweet corn well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly when cooking from cold.
