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:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.
- Mix in sweet corn and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rotini pasta and beef mixture, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Bake & Serve:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions or crushed crackers over the top, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- 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.