Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce with a hint of spicy tomatoes makes it a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 lb ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (canola oil works too)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic for more flavor)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or finely diced fresh onion)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, or plain diced tomatoes with added spices)
• 8 oz cream cheese (sour cream can be used for a tangier sauce)
• 1 cup beef broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack or dairy-free alternative are fine)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices blend into the meat.
4. Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the spices.
• Using fresh garlic and onion instead of powders can brighten the overall taste.
• Swap the cream cheese for sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier sauce.
• For a vegetarian twist, omit the ground beef and add cooked beans or sautéed mushrooms.
• Leftover pasta can be topped with extra cheese and baked for a tasty casserole variation.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free pasta variety and ensure your broth and canned tomatoes do not contain gluten or additives with gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, smooth cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for cozy evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni

Protein & Dairy

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Liquids & Oils

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Beef Broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper

Produce & Canned Goods

• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
3. Season the Meat: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the browned beef. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices meld with the meat, enhancing the flavor.
4. Add Rotel, Cream Cheese, and Broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot with the creamy meat sauce. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir well until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy Rotel pasta to bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy meal.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Use fresh minced garlic and diced onions instead of garlic and onion powders for a more pronounced flavor.
• If cream cheese is not preferred, sour cream can be used for a tangier twist.
• Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Try Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese alternative for the shredded cheese if desired.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

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

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef dinner, quick weeknight meal, cheesy pasta recipe, comfort food