Description

This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining tender rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and a creamy blend of cheddar, sour cream, and cream cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, then garnished with fresh green onions and parsley for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz rotini pasta
1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
2 green onions, sliced
Chopped parsley or extra green onions for garnish

Meat and Seasonings

1 lb ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Dairy and Sauces

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the pan to reduce fat content.
Season Beef Mixture: Add the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the sour cream, softened cream cheese, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. Cook and stir until everything melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Fold the drained sweet corn and cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
Assemble Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley, and serve warm for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

For extra flavor and texture, add crispy bacon bits or chopped jalapeños before baking.
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; if baking from cold, extend baking time by 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Drain pasta well to avoid a watery casserole.
Use full-fat dairy ingredients for the creamiest results.