Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that brings together tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a rich blend of ranch dressing and sour cream. Topped with golden breadcrumbs and melted butter, this dish is an instant favorite for dinner tables and gatherings alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The rotini pasta provides a hearty base, while the ground beef adds richness and protein. The ranch dressing and sour cream create a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the sweet corn and bell peppers. Topping it off with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs gives the dish a satisfying crunch and golden finish. This is comfort food at its finest, and it’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients for Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
This recipe calls for a few basic ingredients that come together beautifully. You likely already have most of these items in your pantry or fridge, making it a convenient dish to prepare when you’re short on time but still craving something hearty and delicious.
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12 oz rotini pasta: The rotini pasta serves as the hearty base for this bake, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the creamy sauce and beef mixture.
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1 lb ground beef: Ground beef provides the main protein in this dish, giving it a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
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1 cup ranch dressing: This creamy dressing gives the dish a tangy, rich flavor that adds depth and moisture.
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1/2 cup sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and a subtle tang that enhances the ranch flavor.
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is melted throughout the dish, adding a creamy texture and a bold, sharp flavor.
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1 cup sweet corn (frozen or fresh): Sweet corn adds a burst of natural sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
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1/2 cup diced bell peppers: Bell peppers add a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor to complement the richness of the beef and ranch.
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1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
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1 tsp onion powder: Onion powder rounds out the seasoning, adding depth and savory richness.
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Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings bring all the flavors together and ensure the dish is perfectly seasoned.
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs form a crispy topping that gives the dish a delightful crunch.
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2 tbsp melted butter: Butter adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs brown to perfection.
These ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing for a social gathering, this Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is sure to be a hit.
Instructions: How to Make Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and reaches the perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions. This will typically take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente so that it holds up during baking.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. This will take about 7-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ranch dressing, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sweet corn, bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy, with all the ingredients coated in the ranch dressing and sour cream.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Now, add the cooked rotini pasta to the beef mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the creamy beef and ranch mixture.
Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. The mixture should be spread to the edges of the dish to ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help them brown and become crispy during baking. This will give the dish a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. The cheese should be melted, and the breadcrumbs should be crisp and golden.
Step 9: Let It Cool
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to settle.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions of the casserole onto plates, and enjoy the hearty, creamy goodness of your Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
1. Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Add Extra Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to add more shredded cheddar on top or mix in a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness. The more cheese, the better!
3. Use Fresh or Frozen Corn
Sweet corn is the perfect addition to this dish, adding a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Whether you use frozen or fresh corn is up to you, but make sure to cook fresh corn before adding it to the mix.
4. Don’t Skip the Breadcrumb Topping
The crispy breadcrumb topping is what makes this casserole truly special. If you want to take it up a notch, try using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Make Ahead and Store
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it as directed. You can also freeze it for later. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information for Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
This casserole is a hearty, satisfying meal, and it provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings):
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Calories: 450
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Fat: 24g
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on your specific ingredients, such as the type of cheese or sour cream you use.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake, here are some other comforting and cheesy dishes you might enjoy:
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Classic Stuffed Peppers: A classic dish that combines hearty ground beef, rice, and vegetables in a flavorful bell pepper shell.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: Sloppy Joes on cheesy garlic bread make a comforting and delicious meal.
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Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: Another cheesy pasta bake with beef, perfect for family dinners.
FAQs for Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While rotini is ideal for this bake, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Choose a pasta that can hold up to the creamy sauce and beef mixture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. For freezer storage, ensure it is tightly covered, and bake it from frozen for about 45 minutes.
3. Is there a substitute for ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
4. Can I freeze the Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is the epitome of comfort food—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With its ease of preparation and ability to be customized, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering dish!
Print
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole filled with tender ground beef, rotini pasta, sweet corn, and a blend of ranch dressing and sour cream. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and butter crust, it’s an easy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
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12 oz rotini pasta
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup sweet corn (frozen or fresh)
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1/2 cup diced bell peppers
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook Pasta: Boil rotini pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
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Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, ranch dressing, sour cream, shredded cheddar, sweet corn, bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle with melted butter.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
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Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
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Freezer Friendly: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer for about 45 minutes.
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Substitute Meat: Ground turkey or chicken works as a great substitute for ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg