Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn. This dish is a perfect combination of savory beef, creamy cheddar, and sweet corn, all brought together with the irresistible flavors of ranch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, and it’s also incredibly easy to make. So, whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I’m craving a hearty and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of melted cheddar, seasoned beef, and sweet corn creates a mouthwatering taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a satisfying and delicious meal that can be whipped up in no time. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ons. Trust me, once you try this loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn, it will become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. I sometimes use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, and it works just as well. You can also switch up the type of cheese or add some jalapenos if you like a little heat. This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the sweet corn kernels and cook for another 2 minutes, until heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined with the beef and corn mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
And that’s it! Your delicious loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn is ready to be devoured. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave you coming back for seconds.
Notes
Through my trials and errors, I’ve discovered a few tips that might come in handy:
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the beef mixture.
- If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference. You can go for a little extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover like me!
Variations
I love experimenting with different variations of this recipe. Here’s one that I’ve tried:
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Potato: Instead of using corn, substitute with diced sweet potatoes. Roast the sweet potatoes until tender and then add them to the skillet with the beef and cheese. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and savory beef is absolutely delicious!
Equipment
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment. You’ll just need a large skillet or frying pan to cook the beef and combine all the ingredients. If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a regular frying pan as well.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! But if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors and adds an extra layer of comfort to the dish. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a filling and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from my own mistakes:
- Don’t overcook the beef. It’s best to cook it until it’s just browned and still juicy. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you want to make this recipe in advance, you can prepare the beef and corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and add the cheese and ranch dressing.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen corn works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the skillet.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option. It will still taste delicious!
Alright, now you have all the information you need to make this amazing loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn
A hearty and comforting dish featuring savory beef, creamy cheddar, and sweet corn flavored with ranch dressing. This dish is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for family gatherings or a delicious meal for yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Directions
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
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Stir in the sweet corn kernels and cook for another 2 minutes, until heated through.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined with the beef and corn mixture.
-
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve the loaded cheddar ranch beef and sweet corn hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.