Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for cozy weeknight dinners is a dish that’s been a lifesaver in my home. There’s something undeniably comforting about pasta combined with the creaminess of cheese and the zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes. This recipe has become a favorite for its rich flavors and that satisfying feeling of a warm meal after a long day. Whether you’re catching up with family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What truly sets this creamy Rotel pasta apart is how effortlessly it brings comfort food to the dinner table in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes to clean. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it suitable for families or anyone looking to save a little on groceries without sacrificing flavor. Kids absolutely love it, thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, making it a perfect choice for picky eaters.

“This creamy Rotel pasta quickly became a family favorite in our house. It’s easy to make and so delicious! I love how adaptable the recipe is!” — Jenna T.

Preparing Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This dish comes together in a straightforward manner. First, you’ll cook the ground beef until it’s browned and sweetly aromatic, then stir in the garlic and onion powders. The magic happens when you add the diced tomatoes and cream cheese, creating that silky, rich sauce. Toss in the pasta, add some broth, and let it all meld together until perfectly cooked.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delicious creamy Rotel pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (ground turkey or chicken are great lighter substitutes)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (canola oil works too)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic adds a nice touch)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (feel free to use fresh onion for extra texture)
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust according to taste)
• 1 tsp Pepper (also adjustable)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (plain diced tomatoes with spices works if needed)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (sour cream is a great alternative)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Monterey Jack or dairy-free alternatives are welcome)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, combining well.
4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the mixture.
5. Add the beef broth, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
7. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Serve this creamy Rotel pasta with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or a few slices of jalapeños for added spice. A crisp garden salad or steamed veggies on the side would contrast nicely with the richness of the dish. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping into that creamy sauce!

Storing Leftovers

To keep your creamy Rotel pasta fresh for another meal, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to eat it later, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Pro Chef Tips for Success

• Always taste as you go! Adjust the spices to suit your family’s preferences.
• For an even creamier dish, consider adding more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
• If you’re in a rush, you can use leftover beef or even rotisserie chicken to save time.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Swap in different cheeses, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or use spicy sausage for a kick. For those who love a bit of crunch, top the pasta with crushed tortilla chips or crispy bacon before serving.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives, and you can even try it with a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until thoroughly heated.

With its comforting flavors and straightforward preparation, creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table!

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A comforting one-pot pasta dish with creaminess from cheese and a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or canola oil)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (or fresh onion)
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (or sour cream)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack or dairy-free alternatives)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, combining well.
4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts.
5. Add the beef broth, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Notes

Serve with fresh herbs or jalapeños for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pasta, creamy, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, one-pot meal