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Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake

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Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful casserole packed with ground beef, tender rotini pasta, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Comfort Food – A full meal in one dish with protein, pasta, and veggies.
  • Cheesy and Creamy – A velvety cheddar ranch sauce coats every bite.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
  • Kid-Friendly – A cheesy, ranch-flavored meal the whole family will love.
  • Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Rotini pasta
  • Ground beef
  • Sweet corn (canned or frozen)
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Cream cheese
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • Crushed crackers or bacon bits (for topping, optional)

Directions

this recipe
  1. Cook the Pasta – Boil rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Make the Sauce – Add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning to the beef. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Everything – Mix in cooked pasta and sweet corn, coating everything in the sauce.
  5. Transfer to a Baking Dish – Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  6. Add Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Optional Toppings – Add crushed crackers, bacon bits, or green onions for extra texture and flavor.
  9. Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
  • Different Meat – Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or sausage.
  • Extra Veggies – Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Lighter Option – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Crunchy Topping – Top with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or macaroni work well in this dish.

How can I make this dish even cheesier?

Add extra shredded cheddar inside the mixture before baking.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Absolutely! Mix dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh or frozen corn works well—just cook it before adding.

What’s the best cheese for this dish?

Sharp cheddar provides great flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey?

Yes! It’s a great way to lighten up the dish while keeping it flavorful.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover loosely with foil while baking to keep moisture in.

Conclusion

Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is the perfect cheesy, creamy, and comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty casserole will be a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and enjoy every cheesy, ranch-flavored bite!

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Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a hearty, cheesy pasta dish packed with seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. It’s topped with melty cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta & Beef Mixture:

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers (for crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:

  1. Reduce heat to low and stir in ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.
  2. Mix in sweet corn and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rotini pasta and beef mixture, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
  3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

5. Bake & Serve:

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions or crushed crackers over the top, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  3. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve!

 

Notes

  • Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
  • Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

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