Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Combining tender pasta, zesty tomatoes with green chilies, and rich cheese sauce, it comes together quickly for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

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.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to blend into the meat.
4. Step 4: Pour in the Rotel, adding softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well coated.
6. Step 6: Dish into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap cream cheese with sour cream for a tangier sauce.
• Try different pasta shapes like penne or rotini to change the texture and presentation.
• Fresh minced garlic and diced onion add extra aroma and depth when replacing powders.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for extra smoky heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes for extra texture and protein.

Is it possible to freeze this pasta dish?

While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces may change texture when thawed. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 110 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and easy-to-make weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender elbow macaroni is smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and flavorful diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel). Ground beef adds a hearty protein boost making this dish both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm and tasty on the table fast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (feel free to use any pasta shape you love)

Meat and Oil

• 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)

Seasonings

• 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)

Sauce and Extras

• 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)

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Instructions

1. 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 it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked ground beef. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to blend well into the meat.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), add the softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked macaroni to the pot with the creamy sauce. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated.
6. Serve: Dish the creamy Rotel pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a cozy meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
• If you don’t have Rotel, plain diced tomatoes with added chili powder or jalapeño can be used.
• For a vegetarian option, swap beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the meat or replace it with plant-based crumbles.
• Fresh minced garlic and diced onions can be used instead of garlic and onion powder for added flavor and texture.
• For a tangier sauce, try substituting cream cheese with sour cream.
• Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
• Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food pasta