Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, rotini pasta, and sweet corn. It’s a family-friendly baked casserole that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, the seasoned beef mixture, sweet corn kernels, and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn depending on your convenience; just make sure to drain canned corn well before adding.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
