Description
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef recipe is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner perfect for busy evenings. Made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, zesty Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
Meat & Seasonings
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (10 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add seasoning: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices blend well into the meat.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, then add softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot with the sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Dish the creamy Rotel pasta into bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy a cozy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- If you don’t have Rotel, use plain diced tomatoes and add extra spices for flavor.
- For a tangier twist, replace cream cheese with sour cream.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed vegetables.
- Use Monterey Jack or dairy-free cheese alternatives if preferred.
- Fresh minced garlic and diced onions can replace garlic and onion powders to enhance texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, comfort food
