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How to Cook a Perfect Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole

How to Cook a Perfect Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole
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This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish combining seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch-cheddar sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it bakes to a bubbly golden top and is garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

Pasta and Veggies

  • 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Cheese Sauce

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

Toppings

  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese (for topping, about 1/4 cup)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, seasoned beef mixture, sweet corn, and cheese sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Bake the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top to add a cheesy crust.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly on top. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotini pasta with other short pasta like penne or elbow macaroni.
  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk or even half-and-half in the cheese sauce.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to avoid watery casserole.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded cheddar ranch casserole, beef casserole, cheesy beef casserole, baked beef pasta, ranch beef casserole

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