Creating a comforting weeknight dinner often requires a blend of ease, flavor, and satisfaction, and that’s exactly what you get with Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. This delightful dish combines tender pasta with a creamy, zesty sauce that surprises the taste buds while being simple enough for any busy evening. Whether it’s a chilly night or an impromptu family gathering, this recipe is perfect for those moments when warmth and comfort are just what you need.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the standout aspects of this creamy rotel pasta dish is its incredible simplicity. With minimal prep time and a short cooking duration, it offers a quick solution for dinner without sacrificing flavor or heartiness. The blend of ground beef and creamy cheese makes it a crowd pleaser, especially for families with picky eaters. Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for families looking to stretch their grocery dollars. Plus, there’s something genuinely satisfying about a plate of pasta that brings everyone together around the table.
“I whipped up this creamy rotel pasta on a weeknight, and it quickly became a family favorite! Everyone went back for seconds!” – A Happy Home Cook
The cooking process explained
Making this creamy rotel pasta is a breeze—you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes! Here’s a quick preview of how this delightful dish comes together: cooking the pasta, browning the ground beef, and then mixing everything with the creamy sauce and zesty tomatoes. It’s as simple as boiling, browning, and blending!
What you’ll need
To make this comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
- 1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until lightly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine flavors.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (Rotel) and beef broth, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese until it melts and blends into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and heated through.
Best ways to enjoy it
This creamy rotel pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider topping it with finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for added texture. It’s also perfect for meal prep; you can dish it out into containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
How to store & freeze
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the creamy rotel pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash more beef broth or a touch of milk to reconstitute the creamy texture. If you want to freeze it, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese. Stored in a freezer-safe container, it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming.
Helpful cooking tips
- Pasta Cooking Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt to the boiling water before cooking the pasta.
- Meat Swap: Craving something lighter? A ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative can work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add a diced jalapeño to the ground beef while it’s cooking or choose a spicy version of Rotel tomatoes.
Creative twists
There are so many ways to personalize your creamy rotel pasta. Add in some diced bell peppers or corn for a touch of sweetness. If you want to make it vegetarian, omit the beef and replace the broth with vegetable stock; you could even throw in a can of black beans for extra protein.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to make this dish?
- The total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Can I use a different kind of pasta?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months before adding cheese.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
This creamy rotel pasta with ground beef is a fantastic option for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want to serve something delicious. So, gather the ingredients, and experience a delightful dinner that the whole family will adore!
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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines ground beef with a zesty Rotel sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the diced tomatoes (Rotel) and beef broth, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Lower heat and mix in the cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and heated through.
Notes
For extra flavor, add olive oil and salt to the pasta water; substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American