Description
Hearty cheddar ranch beef & corn rotini bake brings midwest comfort to dinner tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Pasta, ground beef, and corn mingle in a creamy sauce you’ll savor down to the last satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
- 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or fresh)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the rotini by immersing in rapidly boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. Cook until pasta reaches an al dente texture, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking down into small uniform pieces while cooking. Infuse with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Eliminate excess fat from the beef by carefully draining the rendered grease, maintaining the meat’s savory essence.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together creamy ranch dressing and tangy sour cream until smooth. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich, velvety base.
- Incorporate sweet corn kernels and diced bell peppers into the creamy mixture, adding vibrant color and textural complexity.
- Gently integrate the cooked beef and prepared rotini into the sauce, ensuring each component is evenly coated and distributed.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crispy topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously across the surface of the casserole.
- Position the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior becomes bubbling and heated through, approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Dish out steaming portions and savor the harmonious blend of flavors.
Notes
- Boost pasta’s texture by slightly undercooking it during initial boiling to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using lean ground beef and draining excess fat completely to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Create dietary variations by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian options or using gluten-free rotini and breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly adaptation.
- Customize spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat lovers, or keeping the recipe mild for sensitive palates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg