If you’re searching for a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of heat to the table in under 30 minutes, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s powered up with the spicy tang of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special, yet it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again—trust me, your family will cheer when they see it bubbling on the stove!

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef lies in its simple lineup—each ingredient plays a starring role, from bringing creaminess to adding brightness and depth. Don’t skip any of them; together they create that signature flavor and color everyone loves.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): Brings just the right bite and is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce.
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds richness and hearty flavor—it’s the ultimate comfort food base.
Canned Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 ounces): Infuses the sauce with a tangy, slightly spicy kick that sets this dish apart.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Makes everything luscious—softening it first helps it melt faster into the sauce.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds sharpness and extra gooey melt in every bite.
Beef broth (1 cup): Lends savory depth, keeping the sauce creamy without being too thick.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a mellow garlic warmth.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle sweetness and a base of flavor to the sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: Brings all the flavors into perfect balance—season as you like.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the beef brown evenly and adds a silky touch to the sauce.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish): Sprinkling a little greenery on top adds color and a fresh pop at the end.

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly al dente—remember, you want it to still have a little bite since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse; that outer starch helps our sauce cling beautifully later!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Return the now-empty pot to medium heat and pour in your olive oil. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’re looking for the beef to brown and sizzle, picking up a hint of crust for the best flavor. If there’s lots of excess fat, go ahead and drain it off—but leave a little behind for that extra savory mouthfeel.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

This is where the foundation of flavor starts. Sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, and add salt and pepper to your liking. Let it all warm together for a minute, stirring often, so everything is fragrant and those seasonings infuse right into the meat.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Rotel Sauce

Pour in the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, add the softened cream cheese, and pour in the beef broth. Stir patiently—this is when the magic starts. The cream cheese will melt, and as you continue stirring, it merges with the broth and Rotel to create the creamy, zesty sauce that makes this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef so utterly craveable.

Step 5: Combine and Melt in the Cheese

Now, return the cooked macaroni to the pot. Sprinkle in that cup of shredded cheddar and stir everything together. Watch as it melts and wraps every noodle in a rich, smooth, cheesy embrace. If you like things saucy, add a splash more broth, then give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef into bowls while it’s piping hot. If you like, shower with chopped cilantro or parsley for a colorful, fresh finish. Grab your fork and dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Let’s talk finishing touches. A handful of freshly chopped cilantro adds brightness and color—perfect for balancing that rich, creamy sauce. If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley is a great alternative. For a little extra kick, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a scatter of sliced jalapeños.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and satisfying, but it also plays well with others! Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef alongside a simple green salad, buttery garlic bread, or crisp roasted veggies to round out the meal. Light, fresh sides cut through the richness and add crunch and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to shake up dinner, there are fun ways to present Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. Spoon it into individual ramekins and top with more shredded cheddar, then broil until bubbly. Or, try serving it in a big family-style casserole dish with a scatter of tortilla strips for crunch—it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, so leftovers taste even better—just be sure to store it promptly to keep everything fresh and creamy.

Freezing

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef can be frozen for up to two months if you’re planning ahead or made a big batch. Spoon individual portions into airtight containers. Just note that the creamy sauce may separate a touch when thawed, but a gentle stir will usually bring it right back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, the microwave works fine for quick lunches—again, just add a bit of liquid and stir to restore the original lusciousness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute works beautifully—just remember to season well, since beef adds a lot of its own flavor to the sauce.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

If you’re especially spice-sensitive, swap the Rotel for regular diced tomatoes or use the mild version. You can also stir in a little extra cream cheese to cool things down.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any short noodle—like penne, rotini, or shells—will soak up that incredible sauce. Just make sure to cook until al dente so the texture holds up.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?

It’s highly recommended. Softening the cream cheese means it melts seamlessly into the sauce, saving you time and ensuring you get that ultra-creamy finish.

What other cheeses work in this recipe?

Feel free to experiment! Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend add fun new flavors. Stick to cheeses that melt easily for best results in your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation—Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is everything we want in a cozy meal: quick, flavor-packed, and sure to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try tonight and see why it’s destined to become your new comfort food favorite!

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef recipe that combines zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, rich cream cheese, and savory ground beef for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
Make Sauce: Add Rotel, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Return pasta to the pot. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted and everything is well coated.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American