Description
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a delightful and hearty casserole perfect for family dinners. Combining seasoned ground beef with creamy ranch, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet corn, and tender rotini pasta, it’s baked to bubbling perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the beef: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix along with salt and pepper to taste. Then add the sour cream and milk, mixing thoroughly until you get a creamy, well-blended beef mixture.
- Combine the bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, drained sweet corn, and the seasoned beef mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping the casserole.
- Assemble the bake: Pour this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and the edges turn slightly golden, indicating it’s heated through and nicely crisped.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with diced green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and savory pasta bake.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli if desired.
- For a creamier texture, add a bit more sour cream or milk before baking.
- Optional garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese can enhance flavor and presentation.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when seasoning the beef.
