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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Cheesy Dinner
Emily

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

A rich, cheesy pasta dish with tender ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. This quick one-pot dinner is full of flavor, comfort, and just a touch of spice — perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 525
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • pasta pot
  • Colander
  • chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in the can of Rotel (with juices), heavy cream, cream cheese, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir and let simmer on medium-low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, about 5–7 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and let it melt into the sauce for extra creaminess.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Make it spicier with extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño. Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Leftovers reheat well — add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.