Loaded Cowboy Casserole (Better Than Restaurant!)

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 2 cups rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (canned or frozen)

• ½ onion, finely diced

• ½ red bell pepper, diced

• 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (divided)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat & Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions and red bell peppers until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. Season: Stir the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the entire packet of Ranch seasoning directly into the beef mixture.

3. Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan over low heat, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and melted. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until you have a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

4. Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, the seasoned ground beef, the sweet corn, and pour the cheese sauce over everything. Toss until well coated.

5. Bake: Transfer the mix into a greased 9x13 baking dish (just like the glass one in image_dedc3f.jpg). Top it generously with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is perfectly melted and golden.

Garnish with fresh parsley right out of the oven, and you've got a dish that actually tastes amazing!