Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet corn, and cheesy goodness in a baked rotini pasta casserole. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Behind the story of this recipe, it all started as an experiment to create a hearty yet simple casserole that could easily be made on a busy weeknight.
The balance of flavors from the ranch and cheddar cheese, combined with the sweetness of the corn, resulted in a dish that immediately became a family favorite.
Since then, it has been revamped with different twists and variations, but the classic combination of beef, cheese, and pasta remains a beloved choice.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and Easy – With minimal prep time, you can have this delicious casserole ready to serve in under an hour.
- Comforting and Filling – The combination of hearty beef, sweet corn, and cheesy rotini makes this dish both comforting and filling.
- Kid-Friendly – With its cheesy flavor and pasta base, kids will love this casserole, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisines: American
- Servings: 6
- Estimated Cost: $12–15
- Equipment: Large pot, baking dish, mixing bowl, spoon, spatula, oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and cook for another 2-3 minutes until well incorporated.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine sour cream, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rotini pasta, sweet corn, and sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in different types of cheese for added flavor, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for extra veggies.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Common Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or lentils.
This Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is sure to be a hit at your next family meal.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers delicious flavor and comfort in every bite.
Enjoy!
