If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with bold flavors, the Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe is your new best friend. This dish perfectly combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes to create a creamy, cheesy meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or surprising guests with a comforting crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers warmth and zest in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen for its role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of cream cheese to the spicy tang of Rotel, these simple essentials come together beautifully to make a sensational dish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Provides the perfect texture to hold the creamy sauce and beef flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the ground beef and soften the onions while adding a touch of richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this recipe filling and flavorful.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory notes with its aromatic punch.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Brings a zesty tomato flavor and gentle heat to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses a savory richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Complements the chili powder with a mild earthiness and vibrant color.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that binds the sauce together.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a sharp, cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite because it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all the creamy goodness later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe. Remember to drain any excess fat if the skillet gets too oily, to keep the dish from feeling heavy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Next, add the can of Rotel along with its juices, beef broth, chili powder, and paprika. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to mingle and develop depth, bringing the dish alive with comforting warmth and a bit of a spicy kick.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream Cheese and Cheddar
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. Then toss in the shredded cheddar and stir until it blends seamlessly. This step is what makes the dish irresistibly creamy and cheesy—giving it the signature luscious texture that makes this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe so beloved.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the savory, cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Now your dish is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a lovely way to finish this dish. It not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also cuts through the richness with a fresh, herbaceous note. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who want to amp up the heat even more.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides. A green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are perfect companions. These sides add refreshing contrasts in texture and flavor, balancing out the richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with extra cheddar and broiled until bubbly and golden. Alternatively, layer the pasta in a baking dish and bake it with a breadcrumb topping for a crispy crust, giving a fresh spin on this classic skillet recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve the quality and flavors.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of beef broth or milk can help revive the creaminess. Stir frequently for even warming and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed and season accordingly to maintain that rich flavor balance.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is moderate with the Rotel tomatoes providing a gentle kick and chili powder adding warmth. If you prefer a milder dish, use mild Rotel or reduce the chili powder. For a spicier twist, feel free to add cayenne pepper or use hot Rotel.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms and follow the same steps. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth keeps the dish vegetarian while maintaining savory depth.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or shell pasta work best because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, making every bite flavorful. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes for variety.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and smooth, coating the pasta without being too runny or overly thick. Stirring in the cream cheese and cheddar gradually while on low heat helps achieve this perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, combining simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. It’s definitely a keeper for those nights when you want something delicious without fuss, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your dinner rotation!
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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful American skillet dish combining tender pasta with a spicy tomato and green chili sauce, rich cream cheese, and savory ground beef. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances warmth, creaminess, and a mild kick from Rotel tomatoes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef and Onions: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking about 6–8 minutes until beef is browned and onion soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute to release aroma.
- Make Sauce: Add Rotel tomatoes with juices, beef broth, chili powder, and paprika to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld together.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until sauce is creamy and well blended.
- Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
- Final Simmer and Seasoning: Let the pasta simmer on low for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, use Rotel hot variety or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well such as penne, rotini, or shells.
- Drain excess fat from beef for a leaner dish.
