Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. It combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a cheesy, spicy tomato sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to blend into the meat.
4. Step 4: Pour in the Rotel, adding softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well coated.
6. Step 6: Dish into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh minced garlic and diced onions instead of powders for more flavor and texture.
• Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• Swap cream cheese for sour cream to add a tangy twist to the sauce.
• Use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you like extra heat and smokiness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen, but since it contains dairy, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese and stir it in after reheating.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

A comforting and creamy Rotel pasta dish featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful blend of cheese and tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a rich, hearty meal in under 30 minutes.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni

Meat & Seasonings

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper

Liquids & Cheese

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
2. Brown Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to fully infuse the meat.
4. Create Sauce Base: Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, then add softened cream cheese and beef broth to the pot. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve: Dish the creamy Rotel pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the rich flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Replace garlic and onion powder with fresh minced garlic or diced onion for more texture and flavor.
• If Rotel is unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with added chili spices.
• Use sour cream in place of cream cheese for a tangier sauce.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta, easy pasta dinner