Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the perfect one-pot comfort food. Featuring juicy ground beef, tender pasta, spicy tomatoes with green chilies (aka Rotel), and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will devour.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest comforting pasta creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
Bold, Zesty Flavor – Thanks to the classic kick of Rotel tomatoes.
Creamy & Cheesy – A luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Fast & Family-Friendly – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for extra spice)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Extra shredded cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board & knife
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Rotel & Seasonings
5. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, cream, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and chili powder.
6. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Pasta & Simmer
7. Stir in the uncooked pasta.
8. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
9. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
10. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
11. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
12. Simmer for 1–2 minutes more to thicken the sauce, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
13. Spoon the creamy pasta into bowls and top with chopped parsley, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips if desired.
14. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Rotel Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Stir Often – This prevents the pasta from sticking to the pan.
Adjust the Heat – Use mild or hot Rotel depending on your spice preference.
Double the Batch – Great for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
Customize – Add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition and texture.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra creamy sauce.
Side Salad – A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Veggies – Serve with roasted broccoli or zucchini for a complete meal.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – A cool drink balances the heat and richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner option.
2. What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?
   Use a can of diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
3. Can I make it less spicy?
   Absolutely. Choose mild Rotel and omit chili powder for a kid-friendly version.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you use.
5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
   Yes! Cool completely before freezing and reheat gently with added liquid to bring back the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a one-pot wonder that’s rich, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s a weeknight lifesaver that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or a table full of guests, this pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 39g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 640mg

Print