Quick Family Favorite: Cheesy Cheddar Ranch Beef & Sweet Corn Rotini Bake Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable cheesy cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn rotini bake that promises pure culinary bliss.

Melted cheese cascades over tender beef and golden corn, creating a symphony of flavors in every single bite.

The ranch seasoning adds a tangy kick that elevates this casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rotini pasta provides the perfect twist and texture to capture all those rich, creamy elements.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this hearty and satisfying meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness.

Prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Loaded Cheddar Ranch Rotini Bake

• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta perfect for catching creamy sauces and holding onto delicious ingredients.

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that creates a rich, hearty foundation for the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the dish's taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the meat's seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a robust, aromatic background note.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a sweet and savory undertone to the meat.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky complexity to the dish.

• Ranch Seasoning: Brings a tangy, herbal kick that elevates the entire casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a silky, rich base that binds ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess and helps create a luxurious texture.
• Milk: Helps to thin the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Sweet Corn: Provides bursts of sweetness and fresh texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding sharp, creamy richness to the dish.

• Crispy Fried Onions or Crushed Crackers: Adds delightful crunch and golden-brown texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish and beautiful green color.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.

Cooking Gear for Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn Rotini Bake

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta.
• Large skillet: Key for cooking ground beef and mixing sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for baking the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Used for combining pasta and beef mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Foil: Used to cover dish while baking.

How to Bake Loaded Cheddar Ranch Rotini With Ease

• Boil Pasta

Toss rotini into a big pot of salted water and cook until tender and perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, seasoning generously with garlic, onion, and smoky spices until beautifully caramelized and cooked through.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and blend ranch seasoning, mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk into a velvety sauce, stirring in sweet corn and melted cheddar cheese.

• Combine and Transfer

Fold the pasta into the rich beef mixture, making sure every noodle gets coated with deliciousness, then slide everything into a greased baking dish.

• Top and Bake

Shower the casserole with remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake until bubbly. In the final moments, sprinkle crispy onions or crackers on top and return to the oven until golden and irresistible.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake rest briefly, garnish with fresh parsley, and dig into this comforting, flavor-packed meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Flavor Combos That Work With Cheddar Ranch Rotini

• Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring occasionally during cooking and rinsing with cold water after draining.
• Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese, almond milk, and dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for lactose-intolerant friends.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, plant-based crumbles, or diced tofu for diverse protein preferences.
• Experiment with different seasonings like taco blend, Italian herbs, or cayenne pepper to transform the flavor profile and add exciting heat levels.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, perfect for busy weeknight meal planning and advance preparation.

Serving Suggestions for This Loaded Rotini Bake

• Comfort Food Night Delight: Pair this hearty pasta bake with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Game Day Winner: Serve alongside cold beer or iced tea for a crowd-pleasing meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Family-Style Feast: Top with extra fresh parsley and serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages sharing.
• Quick Weeknight Sides: Add a simple roasted vegetable like broccoli or green beans to round out the nutritional profile and add some freshness to the meal.

Meal Prep and Storage for Cheddar Ranch Rotini Bake

• Whip up double the recipe and stash extra portions in individual containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Prepare the entire casserole before baking, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness. Cover with foil to keep moisture locked in and prevent cheese from burning.

Cheesy Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets creativity in this loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn rotini bake, a hearty meal that blends zesty ranch, tender beef, and sweet corn. Creamy, cheesy goodness awaits with each forkful, promising a satisfying dinner that brings family and friends together.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup crispy fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers (for crunch)
• 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook rotini until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Beef Sauté: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over medium-high heat, draining excess fat if necessary.
3. Creamy Fusion: Reduce heat and blend ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk into the beef, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
4. Cheese and Corn Integration: Fold in sweet corn and first portion of cheddar cheese until smoothly combined and melted.
5. Pasta Merger: Thoroughly incorporate cooked rotini with beef mixture, ensuring every pasta curve is generously coated.
6. Baking Assembly: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and cover with foil.
7. Oven Transformation: Bake at 375F (190C) for 20 minutes, then unveil and sprinkle crispy fried onions or crushed crackers for added crunch.
8. Final Bake and Garnish: Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and effervescent, then rest briefly before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

• Cook rotini al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it maintains a slight bite when mixed with creamy beef sauce.
• Remove excess beef grease to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Stir cheese gradually and reduce heat to prevent separation, creating a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.
• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles, use gluten-free pasta, and choose low-fat dairy alternatives for different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg