Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich cheesy tomato sauce made with Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and cheddar. This easy one-pot recipe comes together quickly, perfect for a cozy meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb Ground Beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or canola oil)
- 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 (approximately 10 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (or plain diced tomatoes with added spices)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, sour cream can be used as a tangy alternative)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (vegetable broth can be substituted for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack or dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
- 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.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce creamy and leaner.
- Season the Meat: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma and fully blend into the meat.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot with the sauce and meat mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely and the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Rotel pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter meat alternative.
- Fresh garlic and onions can be used instead of powders for enhanced flavor.
- Vegetable broth is a great substitute to keep the dish vegetarian.
- For a tangy variation, substitute cream cheese with sour cream.
- Any pasta shape can be used according to your preference.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Cheesy Pasta, Rotel Pasta Recipe
