Description

This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a comforting, cheesy pasta casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and sharp cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners, combining creamy ranch flavors with hearty rotini pasta for a satisfying and delicious family-friendly entree.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)

Seasonings and Dairy

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
0.5 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion (for serving)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until just under al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Brown Beef and Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions become soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Seasonings and Cream: Stir in the ranch seasoning packet, paprika, salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to combine flavors.
Incorporate Corn and Cheese: Add the sweet corn and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Transfer: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat all the pasta with the sauce. Transfer the mixture into a butter-greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top of the pasta bake. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion as desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter version, but cream makes the dish richer.
Drain frozen or canned corn well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use a sharp cheddar for the best bold cheese flavor.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: rotini bake, cheesy beef casserole, ranch seasoning recipe, sweet corn pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner