Try This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe Tonight

Pasta nights reach new heights when you combine the zesty flavors of Rotel with hearty ground beef in this creamy, mouthwatering dish.

Comfort food lovers will fall head over heels for this simple yet satisfying recipe.

The blend of spicy tomatoes and melted cheese creates an irresistible sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.

Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this meal comes together in just one skillet.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this quick and delicious option.

Each bite promises a burst of southwestern-inspired goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Your dinner table is about to become the hottest spot in the house with this crowd-pleasing pasta creation.

Why You’ll Enjoy Rotel Pasta with Beef

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty Rotel tomatoes, aromatic spices, and creamy cheese, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this one-skillet meal satisfies both kids and adults with its hearty and creamy texture that's sure to become a family favorite.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Comes together in just a few simple steps, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple pots and pans.

What Goes in Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

• Penne Pasta: Tubular pasta perfect for catching creamy sauce.
• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Smooth and luxurious dairy components that create a velvety sauce.

• Rotel Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic: Zesty tomatoes and aromatic vegetables that boost flavor.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that adds depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Salt, Cumin, Black Pepper: Spices that create a bold and complex taste profile.

• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs for a bright finishing touch.

How to Cook Creamy Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in the penne pasta and cook until perfectly tender.

Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Break up the beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and the onions turn soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook until it releases its incredible fragrance, which takes just about a minute.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic salt
• Cumin
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, around 5 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until every single pasta piece is covered in the luscious, creamy Rotel sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the pasta while it’s hot.

For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top if you’d like.

Dive in and savor every creamy, spicy bite!

Tips for Cheesy Rotel Pasta Success

• Ensure pasta is al dente by testing a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest for the ideal texture.
• Break ground beef into small crumbles while cooking to prevent large chunks and ensure even seasoning distribution.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
• Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to your heat preference, starting with smaller amounts and tasting as you go.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of this creamy pasta dish.

Reheating Rotel Pasta Without Drying It

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.
• This creamy pasta does not freeze well due to potential sauce separation and texture changes when thawed.

Best Sides for Rotel Pasta

• Refresh with Zesty Beverage Pairing: Crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial perfectly balances the creamy, spicy pasta with its light, clean finish and complements the Rotel tomatoes' tangy profile.
• Elevate Wine Selection: Reach for a medium-bodied Zinfandel with peppery notes that will match the dish's robust spices and rich, creamy texture without overwhelming the palate.
• Enhance Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's richness and add fresh, bright contrast to the hearty main course.
• Boost Flavor with Garnish: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro on top to intensify the dish's southwestern-inspired flavors and add textural complexity.

Rotel Pasta Recipe Twists

• Vegetarian Rotel Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time and adjust sauce consistency to complement vegetable base.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese. Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes Rotel tomatoes special in this recipe?

Rotel tomatoes add a zesty kick with their blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies, creating a spicy and flavorful base for the creamy sauce that sets this pasta dish apart from traditional recipes.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes. You can also add more chili powder for extra spice or reduce it for a more gentle flavor profile.

• Is this dish budget-friendly to make?

Yes, this recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, making it an economical meal that’s both delicious and wallet-friendly. Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value. You can also use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining the dish’s rich, creamy texture.

Creamy Rotel Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy rotel pasta with ground beef delivers a southwestern spin on classic comfort food, blending zesty tomatoes and spicy peppers with rich, hearty ground beef. Cheese-coated noodles promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Meat and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce/283 grams) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Seasoning and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water and cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, methodically breaking meat into crumbles while sautéing until beef achieves a rich brown color and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet, allowing aromatics to release their fragrance for roughly 60 seconds.
4. Pour in Rotel tomatoes with their liquid, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. Gently simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally until cream cheese dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Lower the heat and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a velvety smooth consistency.
6. Introduce the reserved pasta into the skillet, carefully tossing to ensure each pasta piece is luxuriously coated with the zesty Rotel sauce.
7. Transfer to serving plates, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Select pasta with ridges or curves to help sauce cling better and enhance overall flavor absorption.
• Consider using lean ground beef to reduce excess fat without compromising dish’s richness.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap regular pasta with chickpea or quinoa pasta for added protein and dietary flexibility.
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining similar taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg