Description

Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole featuring tender rotini pasta, savory lean ground beef, sweet corn kernels, and a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this one-dish meal delivers rich flavors and textures with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Proteins

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables

1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
1/2 cup milk or broth

Oils and Seasonings

2 tablespoons butter or oil (for sautéing)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta and Beef: Boil the rotini pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Create the Cheddar Ranch Sauce: In the same skillet with the cooked beef, stir in ranch seasoning mix, sour cream or cream cheese, and milk or broth. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully combined.
Combine and Add Corn: Add the cooked rotini and sweet corn kernels to the beef and sauce mixture. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the cheddar ranch sauce.
Bake Until Bubbly: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Rest and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to scoop and serve generous portions.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more flavorful and rich dish.
Drain the beef fat well to prevent the bake from being greasy.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
Let the casserole rest briefly post-bake so it sets properly for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: cheddar ranch beef bake, rotini pasta casserole, loaded rotini bake, comfort food casserole, cheesy beef pasta bake