Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar ranch sauce, rotini pasta, and sweet corn, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make casserole full of rich flavors and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- 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)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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 and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, beef mixture, sweet corn, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the top evenly and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn depending on your preference or availability.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to cook and drain the pasta properly to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked before serving.
