Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

why make this recipe

This dish cooks fast and tastes rich. It uses simple items you likely have. It fills the family and cleans up fast. It is warm and creamy, perfect for a weeknight.

introduction

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners mixes ground beef, pasta, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese into one pan. If you like hearty pasta meals, try a similar creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe for another easy comfort dinner idea. This meal is simple, quick, and uses normal pantry items.

how to make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

1. Boil pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add ground beef and cook until brown, breaking it into small pieces.
4. Season beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel).
7. Pour in beef broth and bring to a low simmer.
8. Cut cream cheese into chunks and add to the pan. Stir until it melts into the sauce.
9. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
10. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta well.
11. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm.

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.)

Directions :

Cooking Instructions
Follow the steps in "how to make" above. Work in this order: boil pasta, brown beef, add seasonings and Rotel, add broth and cream cheese, melt cheeses, then mix pasta into sauce.

how to serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Serve hot in bowls. Top with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a spoon of sour cream. Add tortilla chips on the side for crunch. This goes well with a small salad or steamed veggies.

how to store Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Cool to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of broth if needed.

tips to make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

• Use low heat when melting cream cheese to avoid lumps.
• Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Brown the beef well for more flavor.
• Taste and add more salt or pepper at the end.
• Stir often to keep cheese smooth and creamy.

variation (if any)

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal.
• Add black beans or corn for extra texture and fiber.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a vegan cheese.
• Make it spicier with chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Turn it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Use any pasta you like — penne, rotini, or shells work well.

Q: Can I make this without cream cheese?
A: You can use sour cream or a mix of milk and a little flour, but cream cheese gives the best creaminess.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat on the stove over low heat and stir in a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a meal prep?
A: Yes. Cook fully, cool, and store in fridge. Reheat when ready to eat. Add a little liquid when reheating to keep it creamy.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

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Description

A quick and comforting pasta dish with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and creamy cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add ground beef and cook until brown, breaking it into small pieces.
4. Season beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel).
7. Pour in beef broth and bring to a low simmer.
8. Cut cream cheese into chunks and add to the pan. Stir until it melts into the sauce.
9. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
10. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta well.
11. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm.

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Notes

For added flavor, use low heat when melting cream cheese to avoid lumps. Brown the beef well for more flavor.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg