Description
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a quick and comforting dish combining al dente rotini pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from browned ground beef, spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe blends savory and mildly spicy flavors for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces (about 340 grams) rotini pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) ground beef
- 1 can (10 ounces or 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 8 ounces (about 225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 100 grams)
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients listed to ensure a smooth cooking process without interruptions.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously over low-medium heat until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef and tomato sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy Rotel pasta onto plates or bowls. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of diced tomatoes with green chilies to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream when melting the cream cheese.
- Freshly cracked black pepper can enhance the flavor instead of pre-ground pepper.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
