Cheesy Beef and Sweet Corn Skilla Pasta Your Family Will Love

Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth to make that’s fast, satisfying, and will please everyone at the table? We’ve all been there. That’s why this Cheesy Beef and Sweet Corn Skillet Pasta is my ultimate back-pocket dinner. It’s a complete, comforting meal that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss. Seriously. It’s got that perfect combo of savory ground beef, sweet pops of corn, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that blankets every single noodle. Pure, simple comfort food that feels like a big hug at the end of a long day.

Top Reasons To Make It

• It’s a true one-pan wonder. Less cleanup means more time to relax.
• It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner idea for even the most hectic weeknights.
• It’s incredibly family-friendly. The flavors are a surefire hit with both kids and adults.
• It’s flexible! You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
• Leftovers are just as delicious, which is a major win for your future self.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing our onions and beef.
• 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty, savory base of our dish.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential, fragrant punch.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings in a touch of earthy, Italian-inspired flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained: Provides sweet, juicy bursts in every bite.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base for our sauce.
• 2 cups beef broth: Thins the sauce and adds deep flavor. Use a rich, savory vegetable broth for a plant-based twist!
• 8 oz rotini pasta: Their spirals are perfect for holding onto all that cheesy sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that classic, melty, cheesy goodness.
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy, gooey factor.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors pop.

Instructions

1. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for just one more minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and drained sweet corn. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
6. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese perfectly.
8. Give everything one final stir to create a gloriously cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and serve immediately!

Cheesy Beef Pasta Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creative dinner ideas. For a lighter take, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble. Not a fan of corn? A drained can of black beans or some sliced mushrooms would be lovely. You can also play with the cheeses—a pepper jack would add a nice kick, or a fontina would make it extra creamy. And if you want to sneak in some veggies, a handful of spinach stirred in at the end with the cheese wilts down perfectly.

Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights

I get it. Some nights, even 30 minutes feels like a marathon. My biggest tip for quick dinner ideas like this one is to have a well-stocked pantry. Keeping cans of tomato sauce, corn, and broth on hand means you’re already halfway there. You can even pre-dice onions and store them in the freezer for a serious time-saver. And honestly, the best easy weeknight dinners are the ones that require just one pan. So good.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This skillet pasta is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the richness. Some garlic bread is never a bad idea for soaking up any extra sauce, either. For a lighter pairing, some simple steamed green beans or roasted broccoli work beautifully. It’s the kind of hearty dinner dish that doesn’t need much fuss to feel complete.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet for reviving that creamy texture. Just add a small splash of broth or water to the skillet to loosen the sauce as it warms over medium heat. You can also microwave single portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the dairy sauce can become grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta with grooves or shapes like penne, shells, or cavatappi will work great in this recipe for dinner dishes.
• How can I make this spicier for the adults? A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the oregano or a dash of hot sauce at the end is a perfect way to add some heat to these kid friendly dinners.
• Is this one of those cheap dinners for a family? It really is. Using pantry staples and affordable ground beef makes it an economical choice that still feels indulgent, a true winner for supper ideas.
• My sauce seems too thin. What did I do wrong? Don’t worry! Just let it sit off the heat for a few more minutes; the pasta will continue to absorb the liquid. If it’s still too thin, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can help thicken it right up.