Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

A Cozy One-Pan Wonder That Will Have You Coming Back for Seconds

Imagine a warm bowl of creamy pasta enveloped in a cheesy embrace, packed with just the right amount of spice to tickle your taste buds. This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef combines comfort and flavor in a way that makes it hard to resist. It’s quick, one-pan, and delightfully creamy—perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels gourmet but doesn’t require a gourmet chef’s skills.

Why Make This Recipe

Here’s the scoop: who doesn’t love a meal that’s delicious, satisfying, and easy to whip up? This creamy pasta checks all the boxes!

• Minimal Cleanup: With just one skillet involved, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pasta are pantry staples, making this wholesome dish kind to your wallet too.
• Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will dig into this creamy, cheesy goodness. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 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

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy masterpiece in no time.

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Season It Up: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well!
4. Add Rotel & Cream Cheese: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and add cream cheese. Stir until creamy and combined.
5. Pour in Beef Broth: Add the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Cheddar Time: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and mix until melted and gooey.

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef (Overview)

Alright, let’s break this down step-by-step! Start by boiling those elbows until they’re perfectly tender. While the pasta is doing its thing, brown up your ground beef in a skillet—don’t forget to season it well. Once that’s sizzling and smelling incredible, add your Rotel and cream cheese for that decadent creaminess. After mixing in the beef broth, bring your pasta back to the party. Top it off with shredded cheese, let it melt, and voila! Your dinner is ready to knock socks off.

Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Serving this dish is a delight! Picture this: a vibrant plate of creamy pasta nestled beside a fresh garden salad for a splash of color and crunch. You might even add warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into that cheesy goodness. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the table! 🍽️

How to Store Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Got leftovers? No problem! This creamy pasta keeps well—store it in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Want to save it for a rainy day? It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can always have a cozy meal on hand. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it gets too thick.

Tips to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

• Swap It Up: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesier is Better: Feel free to mix in different kinds of cheese or even top with crispy bacon for an irresistible twist.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and using vegan cream cheese. Spice it up with some jalapeños for added heat or add black beans for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and just heat it up when you’re ready to eat.

What can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container and reheat when you’re craving comfort food.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

A warm and creamy pasta dish with ground beef, packed with cheesy goodness and a hint of spice—perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta & Ground Beef

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Cook according to package instructions.
• 1 lb Ground Beef Use either beef or a leaner alternative.

Seasonings

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil For browning the beef.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances the flavor.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder Adds a savory taste.
• 1 tsp Salt To taste.
• 1 tsp Pepper To taste.

Sauce & Toppings

• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) Provides spice and flavor.
• 8 oz Cream Cheese For creaminess.
• 1 cup Beef Broth Adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese For topping and extra creaminess.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well!
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and add cream cheese. Stir until creamy and combined.
5. Add the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and mix until melted and gooey.

Notes

For serving, pair with a fresh garden salad or warm garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth if necessary.