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Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn

Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn

Discover a creamy and flavorful Ranch Rotini Bake with Beef and Corn, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This comforting casserole blends tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, it’s a one-dish meal offering a satisfying mix of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

Sauces and Dairy

  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  2. Brown the beef with aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat into crumbles. Drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
  3. Prepare the creamy ranch sauce: Stir together ranch dressing mix, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk or cream in a bowl until smooth. This will be the luscious base that ties all flavors together.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, browned beef mixture, sweet corn, and creamy ranch sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all components.
  5. Assemble and add cheese: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a golden crust once baked.
  6. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook your pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking and absorb flavors in the oven without turning mushy.
  • Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and creates a smoother texture than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Drain excess grease: Removing fat from the cooked ground beef prevents the casserole from becoming oily.
  • Let it rest after baking: This helps the sauce thicken and improves slicing and serving.
  • Add herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top brightens flavor and adds color.

Nutrition

Keywords: ranch rotini bake, beef casserole, creamy pasta bake, weeknight dinner, family-friendly casserole, ranch pasta bake, ground beef casserole, corn pasta bake