Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Quick Creamy Rotel Pasta with ground beef delivers a flavorful, satisfying weeknight meal. This easy recipe combines pasta, Rotel, and cheese sauce.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
02 -
12 oz rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Zesty Cream Dream
06 -
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
07 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 -
1 1/2 cups beef broth
09 -
1 tsp chili powder
10 -
1/2 tsp ground cumin
11 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Savory Finishing Touches
13 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or elbow macaroni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water if desired for thinning the sauce later.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
03 -
Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 -
Stir in 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 -
Reduce the heat to low. Add 8 oz cream cheese, softened, to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Cozy Weeknight Meal with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
06 -
Add the cooked and drained 12 oz rotini or elbow macaroni pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. This step brings together all the elements for a truly satisfying Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Cozy Weeknight Meal.
07 -
Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it's melted and well combined into the pasta. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to become gooey. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
08 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Cozy Weeknight Meal with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and easy weeknight dinner!
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference; omit for no heat, or add a pinch more for an extra kick. You can also use mild Rotel for less spice.
04 -
Serve this hearty pasta dish with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to complete your cozy weeknight meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Colander
08 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 645 kcal
Total Fat: 36 g
Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
Protein: 30 g