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Rotel Pasta and Ground Beef

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This Rotel Pasta and Ground Beef recipe is a quick, creamy, and cheesy Tex-Mex inspired dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheddar, it’s a family-friendly comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (original or mild)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until just al dente. Stir occasionally.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 4-5 minutes until mostly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture.
  5. Pour in Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add softened cream cheese in chunks. Stir constantly until fully melted and sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Lower heat if needed.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  8. Drain cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Add a splash of pasta water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
  9. Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, fresh cilantro or parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta. For lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken. For vegetarian, use plant-based ground or black beans. Shred your own cheese for best results. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water or broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: rotel pasta, ground beef, 30 minute dinner, creamy pasta, tex-mex pasta, easy weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, family dinner, skillet pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/rotel-pasta-and-ground-beef-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/