Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty meal combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (canola oil works too)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh minced garlic is a great alternative)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or finely diced fresh onion)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel; plain diced tomatoes plus spices can substitute)
• 8 oz cream cheese (sour cream can add a tangy twist)
• 1 cup beef broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack or dairy-free alternatives work well)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: 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 from the pot.
3. Step 3: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to blend into the beef.
4. Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use fresh garlic and onion instead of powders.
• Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice for bright freshness.

Storage

Store 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 if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly meal.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 439 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Combining tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (or any pasta shape you love)

Meat & Seasonings

• 1 lb Ground Beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (can use canola oil)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (or finely diced fresh onion)
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Pepper (adjust to taste)

Cheese & Broth

• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (or plain diced tomatoes with spices)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (or sour cream for tangy flavor)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack or dairy-free alternative)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
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 from the pot to keep the dish from being greasy.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the meat and spices together for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, then add softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot with the creamy beef mixture. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy Rotel pasta into bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy dinner!

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use fresh minced garlic and onion instead of powders for more texture and flavor.
• Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
• For a vegetarian version, replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit ground beef, adding sautéed mushrooms or beans if desired.
• Try sour cream instead of cream cheese for a tangier variation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Pasta Recipe, Cheesy Rotel Pasta