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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

5 from 22 reviews

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and the zesty kick of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Enriched with cream cheese and melted cheddar, this one-pot meal is perfect for a quick family dinner that’s both creamy and mildly spicy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • One 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids and Oils

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add seasonings and Rotel: To the cooked beef, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice). Cook for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and combines with the beef and tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
  5. Incorporate broth and cheese: Pour in the beef broth to loosen the sauce slightly, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni into the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve and garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, slightly spicy Rotel pasta with ground beef!

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicier Rotel variety.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • You can use sharp or mild cheddar cheese based on your taste preference.
  • If cream cheese is not softened, microwave it in short bursts to soften quickly.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, Rotel ground beef, quick family meal