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Cozy Cheddar Ranch Beef Bake with Sweet Corn

cheddar ranch beef bake - featured image

A comforting oven-baked pasta dish with melted cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, ground beef, and sweet corn. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add the cheese: Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheddar ranch sauce. Stir until well combined.
  6. Assemble the bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it to al dente as it will continue to soften during baking.’, ‘Grate fresh cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.’, ‘Spread ingredients evenly when assembling the bake for consistent flavor.’, ‘Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Beef Bake, Sweet Corn, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Pasta Bake, Family Meal, Weeknight Dinner