If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal, then Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is the perfect dish for you. This casserole is filled with tasty ingredients, creamy cheese, and a burst of ranch flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this dish is sure to satisfy!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for anyone who enjoys a rich and creamy pasta bake. It combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and ranch seasoning to create a comforting dish. Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is easy to make and is perfect for busy weeknights—or for a gathering with friends and family. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that reduces cleanup!
How to Make Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
Making this delicious pasta bake is simple and quick. Follow the steps below to create a dish that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and set aside.
In a separate saucepan, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, beef mixture, sweet corn, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the top evenly and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
This dish can be served hot straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. For a fun touch, you can add extra ranch dressing drizzled on top before serving!
How to Store Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it. To freeze, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it for up to three months.
Tips to Make Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to fit your taste preferences.
- If you like a crispy top, you can broil the bake for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Variation (if any)
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version. Additionally, if you want a little spice, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use different pasta types?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.
3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Plus extra for topping.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional for serving.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and set aside.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk over medium heat.
- Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, beef mixture, sweet corn, and cheese sauce.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the top evenly and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
