Description
Creamy beef and corn casserole with cheddar cheese and a buttery Ritz cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Ranch: Sprinkle the dry ranch dressing mix over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Add Soup: Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and stir until well combined.
- Incorporate Corn: Add the drained whole kernel corn and creamed corn to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Stir in Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half a cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining half cup for topping.
- Prepare Ritz Topping: In a small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. Pour the melted butter over the crushed crackers and stir until evenly coated.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with Ritz: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown.
- Rest: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot.
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from a chilled state.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This casserole is also great as a potluck dish or for a casual get-together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes