Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Craving a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. With tender pasta coated in a creamy cheese sauce and spiced with zesty Rotel tomatoes, this dish is a family favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Bold and Creamy – The combination of cheese, cream, and Rotel makes it rich and zesty.
Perfect for Weeknights – Quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
Customizable – Add veggies, swap meats, or spice it up.
Kid-Friendly – Cheesy pasta with mild spice is a guaranteed win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• Water for boiling
• ½ tsp salt

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Stir in the can of Rotel (undrained) into the beef mixture.
2. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
4. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
2. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through and flavors are well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
2. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you like it extra cheesy.

Tips for the Best Creamy Rotel Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
Adjust the Heat – Use mild or hot Rotel based on your spice preference.
Cream Cheese Tip – Soften it at room temperature for easier melting.
Balance the Sauce – Add reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
• Steamed Veggies – Broccoli or green beans make a great nutritious side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another meat instead of ground beef?
   Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or a meatless substitute all work well.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   You can substitute with sour cream or a mix of milk and extra cheddar.
3. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Absolutely—any short pasta like shells, fusilli, or elbows will do.
4. Is it spicy?
   It has a mild kick. For less heat, use mild Rotel and skip the red pepper flakes.
5. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or spinach are great additions to the sauce.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef brings bold flavor and creamy comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s a reliable recipe for those nights when you need something fast, filling, and totally satisfying. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Try it today and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share your version on social media and tag us!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 460 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 580mg

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