Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting American main course dish featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel). This hearty and satisfying recipe is easy to prepare, combining browned ground beef with aromatic seasonings, beef broth, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another minute to blend the flavors into the meat.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup beef broth to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add extra broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Fold the cooked macaroni into the sauce. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently until the cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy Rotel pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for leaner or vegetarian options.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps the pasta hold the creamy sauce better.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days—reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, American recipes
