Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

When the chill of evening descends, nothing warms the heart quite like a generous bowl of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. This delightful dish combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with a deliciously creamy sauce infused with the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only comes together in under 30 minutes but also delivers a rich flavor that the whole family will love. It’s the type of meal that invites everyone to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company after a long day.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner after a busy workday or a delightful dish to impress friends, this creamy pasta checks all the boxes. With its blend of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a touch of spice, you’ll find yourself savoring every bite. It’s a meal that welcomes seconds and reminds everyone why comfort food is best served with love.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)

Gather your ingredients to create this deliciously creamy pasta dish.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the meat.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the skillet and mix well.
5. Stir in Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the mixture.
6. Add Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring until everything is combined and creamy.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold in the cooked pasta, mixing until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Cheese it Up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture, allowing it to melt slightly before serving.
9. Serve: Enjoy warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Ground beef can be replaced with lentils or a mix of veggies for a vegetarian option. Cream cheese can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
• Optional Variations: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or other spices like cayenne pepper. Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• Storage/Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

500kcal

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Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Total 25 minutes mins

A comforting and creamy pasta dish with ground beef and Rotel tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Servings 4 servings

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

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Pasta

• ▢ 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.

Protein

• ▢ 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Oils and Seasonings

• ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.
• ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.
• ▢ 1 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.

Canned Goods

• ▢ 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.

Dairy

• ▢ 8 oz Cream Cheese Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.
• ▢ 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.

Broth

• ▢ 1 cup Beef Broth Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.

Method

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Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Browning the Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Adding Seasonings

1. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the meat.

Incorporating Tomatoes

1. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the skillet and mix well.

Melting the Cream Cheese

1. Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the mixture.

Adding Broth

1. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring until everything is combined and creamy.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Fold in the cooked pasta, mixing until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.

Serving

1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture, allowing it to melt slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories500kcalCarbohydrates40gProtein25gFat30gSaturated Fat15gSodium800mgFiber2gSugar5g

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: Ground beef can be replaced with lentils or a mix of veggies for a vegetarian option. Cream cheese can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative. Optional Variations: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or other spices like cayenne pepper. Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Storage/Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

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