Say hello to your new favorite comfort dish: Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake! This hearty bake combines juicy ground beef, sweet corn, and twirly rotini pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheddar-ranch sauce that’s downright irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles—simple to make, packed with flavor, and topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Perfect for a family dinner or a chilly night in, this recipe is ready in under an hour. Let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious bake:
1 lb ground beef – The savory foundation of the dish.
2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained – Perfect spirals to catch the sauce.
1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – A burst of natural sweetness.
1 packet ranch seasoning mix – That tangy, herby magic.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, cheesy bliss.
½ cup cream cheese, softened – Creamy richness for the sauce.
½ cup sour cream – A tangy, smooth touch.
1 cup milk – Brings the sauce together.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the beef.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Subtle savory depth.
½ teaspoon onion powder – A hint of sweetness.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A fresh, green pop.
Round up these ingredients, and you’re ready for a comforting bake!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes – Quick prep and cooking.
Cook Time: 25 minutes – Time to bake it golden.
Total Time: 40 minutes – A fast track to cozy deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s whip up this Loaded Cheddar Ranch Bake in a few simple steps:
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and set the beef aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Stir until the cream cheese melts into a smooth base. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and keep stirring until it melts into a velvety, creamy sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked rotini pasta, seasoned beef, sweet corn, and cheesy sauce until everything’s well coated.
Bake the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.
Bake and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot right from the oven!
Tips & Tricks
Make this bake your own with these helpful hints:
Pasta Timing: Cook the rotini just shy of al dente—it’ll finish perfectly in the oven.
Corn Options: Fresh corn is amazing, but frozen or canned (drained) works just as well.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
Cheese Boost: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for extra stretch or heat.
Make Ahead: Assemble it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready—just add 5-10 minutes if baking cold.
Serving Suggestions
This bake is a meal in itself, but these sides make it a feast:
Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Garden Salad: A crisp salad with ranch dressing to echo the flavors.
Steamed Broccoli: A simple green side to balance the richness.
Lemonade: A refreshing drink to cut through the cheesy decadence.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (it’s awesome as leftovers!):
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the texture may soften a bit.
Nutrition Info
This dish is hearty and comforting! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 26g – From the beef and cheese.
Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 16g) – From the cheese, cream, and beef.
Carbohydrates: 34g – Mostly from the pasta and corn.
Fiber: 2g – A bit from the corn.
Sugar: 5g – Naturally occurring in the corn and milk.
Sodium: 1100mg – Varies with ranch mix and salt; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is pure comfort in a dish—cheesy, creamy, and loaded with flavor that hits all the right spots. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough to share with friends. The ranch twist and sweet corn make it a standout, and that bubbly cheddar top? Perfection. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own flair! Happy baking!
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