Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef & Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your baked dish will be perfectly heated and cooked throughout.
2. In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish light and tasty.
4. In the same skillet, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well to combine. Add the drained sweet corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well mixed.
5. Next, fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy foundation for your bake.
6. Gently incorporate the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet. Make sure every piece of pasta is well-coated with the cheesy, beefy mixture.
7. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
10. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle.
11. For that finishing touch, garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Serve this delightful bake hot, accompanied by a crisp side salad or warm garlic toast for a complete meal. Enjoy!