Description
Hearty loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn rotini bake brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Ranch-seasoned beef and sweet corn mingle with creamy cheese, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of salted water and cook rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef, breaking into small crumbles. Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper during cooking.
- Remove excess fat from the beef and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.
- Fold ranch dressing, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sweet corn kernels, and diced bell peppers into the beef mixture.
- Gently integrate the cooked rotini pasta, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the crispy topping across the casserole surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Consider substituting ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that reduces overall fat content.
- Enhance nutritional value by sneaking in extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach, which blend seamlessly into the creamy mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg