Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake Recipe
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, ranch dressing, sweet corn, and creamy cheese sauce baked over perfectly cooked rotini pasta. A delicious one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly and set aside to ensure easy transfer and prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil water and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat from the skillet for a leaner dish.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in the ranch dressing mix until the beef is evenly coated, enhancing the flavor and seasoning of the mixture.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Mix in the drained sweet corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and bright color.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms in the sauté step for extra nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra baking minutes.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: rotini bake, cheddar ranch beef casserole, sweet corn pasta bake, cheesy beef casserole, easy dinner recipe