Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is a one-pan dinner full of bold flavor, creamy sauce, and satisfying comfort. This easy pasta recipe uses ground beef, Rotel, cream cheese, and cheddar for a rich and slightly spicy twist on a weeknight classic. Perfect for families, meal prep, or quick comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
8 oz elbow macaroni (or other pasta of choice)
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in the can of Rotel (with juices) and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Meanwhile, boil the pasta in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
4. Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Use pasta water to thin if needed.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat fully. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnishes like more cheese or chopped herbs.
Notes
This pasta tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
You can use mild, original, or hot Rotel based on spice preference.
Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg