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Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn

Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn

A comforting and easy Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn that combines tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch-flavored cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for quick family dinners, this hearty casserole is flavorful and fuss-free, offering a delicious, all-in-one meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup canned or frozen corn (drained if canned)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (preferably full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp butter

Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning, stirring well to combine.
  3. Mix the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream and milk into the beef mixture to create a creamy sauce. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the corn, mixing gently so the cheese begins to melt and everything combines evenly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked rotini to the skillet or a large bowl and gently fold in the creamy beef sauce until the pasta is thoroughly coated with rich flavor.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish, then transfer the pasta mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta: Cook rotini just al dente as it will continue to soften in the oven.
  • Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest sauce.
  • Season gradually: Add salt and ranch seasoning little by little, tasting as you go to avoid overpowering flavors.
  • Let the bake rest a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set and slice cleaner.
  • For extra texture, consider sprinkling panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ranch pasta bake, ground beef casserole, cheesy rotini bake, family dinner recipe, easy ranch recipe, corn casserole