Print

Creamy Cheddar Ranch Beef Rotini Bake

creamy cheddar ranch beef rotini bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy comfort dinner featuring creamy cheddar ranch sauce, hearty ground beef, sweet corn, and rotini pasta baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • Optional toppings:
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or extra cheddar
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. When beef starts to brown, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion softens and beef is fully browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in thawed sweet corn, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
  6. Add cooked rotini and beef mixture to the sauce. Fold gently until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with optional shredded mozzarella or extra cheddar.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking. Drain excess fat from beef for better sauce consistency. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Taste sauce before adding extra salt due to ranch seasoning. Let bake rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheddar, ranch, beef, rotini, bake, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-cheddar-ranch-beef-rotini-bake-recipe-easy-comfort-dinner/