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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
