Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a delicious, hearty casserole that brings together savory ground beef, sweet corn, and rich rotini pasta in a creamy, ranch-flavored sauce. Topped with a melty layer of cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or a comforting weeknight meal. With a blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need something that will fill you up after a busy day, this bake has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Comfort Food: This casserole has it all—protein, pasta, and veggies—all in one dish. Minimal cleanup required!
- Cheesy and Creamy: The creamy ranch sauce envelops every piece of pasta and beef, making each bite indulgently cheesy.
- Quick and Easy: Using simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this satisfying dish ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, ranch-infused flavor is sure to win over children, making it an easy family favorite.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Like many casseroles, this dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
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 (for topping, optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente. Drain the water and set the pasta aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Be sure to drain any excess grease for a leaner dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix into the beef. Stir the mixture until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix in the cooked pasta and sweet corn, ensuring that every piece is well-coated in the sauce.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the pan.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Optional Toppings: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed crackers or green onions on top before serving.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.
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 to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Different Meat: Swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a twist on flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- Lighter Option: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Crunchy Topping: Top your casserole with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon green onions (for garnish) optional
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers (for topping) optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix to the skillet with the beef. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and sweet corn to the skillet, stirring to combine everything in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For added texture, top with crushed crackers or green onions before serving.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or macaroni all work wonderfully in this dish. The pasta shape is up to you!
How can I make this dish even cheesier?
For a cheesier casserole, mix in additional shredded cheddar cheese before baking. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that melty, gooey finish.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A simple side salad or a loaf of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish, making it a full, satisfying meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you want to get a jumpstart on dinner prep.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Definitely! You can mix your own ranch seasoning by combining dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper for a fresh and flavorful option.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and double-check the rest of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, fresh or frozen corn works great in this casserole. Just make sure to cook the corn before adding it to the mixture.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent substitutions that reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover the casserole loosely with foil while baking to help trap moisture. If reheating, you can also add a splash of milk to maintain its creaminess.
Conclusion
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. With its cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce and a mix of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and pasta, it’s an ideal meal for busy nights or casual get-togethers. This dish is easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pin Recipe
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a deliciously cheesy and creamy casserole that will quickly become your go-to comfort food. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or family meals. Serve it at your next potluck or enjoy it on a cozy night in—either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Casserole
Cuisine: American
