Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake

Comfort food at its finest! This Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings together everything you love about a cozy, home-cooked meal. The rich, seasoned beef, tender pasta, and sweet corn come together in a creamy ranch-infused sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy crust. Trust me—this one is a keeper!

The combination of ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese gives this dish an irresistible flavor, while the crunchy topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends, this pasta bake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.

Is this Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake for you? Let’s see. This dish is…

1. Rich and creamy, thanks to sour cream, milk, and melted cheddar cheese.
2. Perfectly seasoned, with a punch of ranch, garlic, and black pepper.
3. Loaded with texture, featuring tender pasta, juicy beef, and a crispy cracker topping.
4. Quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
5. Family-friendly, a dish that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients in Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef: A hearty, flavorful base that brings a rich, meaty taste to the dish.

Rotini Pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you the perfect bite every time.

Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture. Both canned and frozen corn work well.

Ranch Seasoning Mix: The star of the show! This seasoning brings a tangy, herby flavor that takes this pasta bake to the next level.

Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy dream, making every bite irresistible.

Milk & Sour Cream: Create the creamy, luscious sauce that ties everything together.

Garlic Powder & Black Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings that enhance the overall depth of flavor.

Crushed Ritz Crackers or Panko Breadcrumbs: A crispy, buttery topping that adds the perfect finishing touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to ensure an even, golden-brown bake.

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, pasta, corn, ranch seasoning, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Bake: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese for that crispy topping.

Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting delight!

How to Serve Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake?

• Fresh Salads: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of this dish beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• As a Standalone: This pasta bake is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: Cook the pasta and beef in advance to save time.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Dietary Adjustments: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Make it a Freezer Meal: Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time.

Tips & Variations

• Use Different Cheeses: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a more gooey texture.
• Make it Extra Crunchy: Toast the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
• Sneak in More Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Make it One-Pan: Cook everything in an oven-safe skillet and transfer it straight to the oven—fewer dishes to wash!
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and crackers for a celiac-friendly version.

Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—this Cheddar Ranch Beef & Corn Pasta Bake is a must-try. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!