Zesty Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef & Sweet Corn Recipe

Beef lovers crave a mouthwatering loaded ranch and cheddar dish that combines hearty flavors with sweet corn’s delightful crunch.

Creamy ranch seasoning adds a zesty punch to this comfort meal.

Melted cheddar cheese creates a rich, golden blanket over tender meat and juicy kernels.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Midwest kitchens have long celebrated these simple yet satisfying combinations of protein and fresh produce.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural goodness of every ingredient.

Dive into this easy recipe that will become your new dinnertime favorite.

Why Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rocks

• Customize with Ease: Switch up ingredients like ground turkey or different pasta shapes to match your family's taste preferences and pantry staples.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy cheese sauce, savory beef, and sweet corn, this one-pan meal delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction for all ages.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Prepare this hearty casserole in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Kid-Friendly Nutrition Booster: Combines protein-rich beef, nutritious sweet corn, and calcium-packed cheese, making it a sneaky way to serve a balanced meal that children will love.

Ingredients for Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that adds richness to the dish.
• Rotini Pasta: A twisty pasta shape that holds sauce and other ingredients perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a rich, velvety texture.
• Milk: Helps thin out the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and sharp cheesy flavor to the dish.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a zesty and herbal flavor profile to the beef.
• Sweet Corn: Brings a natural sweetness and burst of freshness to the bake.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and preventing sticking.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the beef.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish for the finished dish.

How to Prepare Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces while it browns.

Drain any excess fat. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning mix.

Stir everything together and set the beef mixture aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Milk

Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly until cream cheese melts completely.

Add shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Cooked rotini pasta
• Seasoned beef mixture
• Sweet corn
• Cheese sauce

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading them evenly.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!

Helpful Tips for Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef for deeper, richer taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Use fresh or frozen sweet corn for maximum sweetness and texture; drain well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and prevent clumping in the creamy sauce.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that maintains great flavor.

Variations to Try With Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn

• Spicy Southwest Beef Bake: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, mix in crumbled feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano.
• Veggie Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, incorporate roasted bell peppers, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan version.
• Creamy Chicken Casserole: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef, mix in frozen peas, and add a touch of thyme for a comforting alternative.

Best Pairings With Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn

• Elevate Cheese Flavor: Pair this hearty beef and corn casserole with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complements the robust beef flavors.
• Refreshing Salad Companion: Create a zesty mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Rustic Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which stands up to the beef's intensity and harmonizes with the melted cheddar's sharp undertones.

How to Store Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Corn

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food quality.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Keep frozen for 2-3 months to preserve texture and flavor.
• Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to season it well and cook thoroughly.

• Is ranch seasoning mix necessary?

While it adds great flavor, you can substitute with dried herbs like dill, chives, and garlic powder if you don’t have the mix.

• What if I don't have rotini pasta?

Any short pasta like penne, shells, or macaroni will work well in this recipe. The key is using a pasta shape that can hold the sauce.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of milk to keep the creamy texture.

Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef And Sweet Corn Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn brings comfort to your dinner table with its rich, creamy flavors. Ranch-seasoned beef mingles with sweet corn, creating a delightful meal that beckons you to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, sizzle olive oil, and thoroughly brown ground beef while crumbling, removing excess fat and seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Incorporate ranch seasoning mix and set aside.
2. Create a velvety sauce by melting cream cheese, sour cream, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely integrated and creamy, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 375F. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cooked rotini pasta, seasoned beef, sweet corn kernels, and prepared cheese sauce, ensuring thorough and even distribution of ingredients.
4. Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly and sprinkling additional cheddar cheese across the surface for enhanced cheesy texture.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling crust. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot and immediately.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for spice lovers who crave an extra kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create lighter, dietary-friendly versions that maintain delicious flavor profiles.
• Use fresh sweet corn kernels during summer season for maximum sweetness and crunch, though frozen corn works perfectly as convenient alternative year-round.
• Optimize cheese melting by removing saucepan from direct heat and stirring continuously, preventing potential cheese separation and ensuring smooth, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 577 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg