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Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Rotel pasta with ground beef - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy pasta dinner featuring ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a rich sauce that comes together quickly for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta (or penne, about 3/4 of a standard 16 oz box)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies (do not drain)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside. Toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is soft and fragrant. If using bell pepper, add it now.
  4. Pour in Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices). Stir well. Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese cubes and let melt, stirring often. Pour in milk and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
  6. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. If adding frozen corn, toss it in now and let it warm through for 2 minutes.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until every noodle is coated. If skillet is too small, combine in the pasta pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Turn off heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms. Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel and adding more or less red pepper flakes. If sauce thickens while waiting to serve, add a splash of milk and reheat gently. Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated with a bit of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel pasta, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, comfort food, skillet pasta, family dinner, spicy pasta

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/rotel-pasta-with-ground-beef-easy-creamy-dinner-recipe/