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Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn

Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn

Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal combining savory ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy ranch-flavored sauce mixed with tender rotini pasta, topped with a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is rich, cheesy, and full of family-friendly flavors that are simple to prepare yet feel like a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce

  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
  • ½ cup milk or half-and-half

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine ranch seasoning mix, sour cream or cream cheese, milk or half-and-half, and shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix the cooked rotini, browned beef mixture, corn kernels, and creamy ranch sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Bake it All Together: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; cook until just al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid an oily dish.
  • Use fresh or high-quality ranch seasoning for the best herb flavor.
  • A cheese blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best melty texture and flavor balance.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: rotini bake, ranch pasta bake, ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta, comforting dinner, weeknight meal