Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Save this recipe on:

Craving something creamy, cheesy, spicy, and downright comforting? Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of dish you make once and find yourself reaching for again and again. This recipe brings together tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes, all swimming in a rich, velvety cheese sauce.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to serve at a potluck or game day spread. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste better the next day, this one-pot wonder never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

This recipe is a flavor-packed powerhouse that balances spice, creaminess, and texture beautifully. The ground beef adds a meaty, satisfying bite, while the Rotel tomatoes and chilies bring just enough heat without overpowering the dish. It’s creamy without being heavy, cheesy without being overwhelming, and best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

You’ll also love how adaptable this recipe is. Want it spicier? Add more Rotel or a dash of cayenne. Craving veggies? Toss in some spinach, corn, or bell peppers. It’s the kind of meal that invites customization and creativity.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short-cut pasta works best here since it holds the sauce well and mixes evenly with the beef. Elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or even shells are all great options. These shapes soak up the creamy, spicy sauce in every bite. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, make sure to cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t break down in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is all about the right combination of simple ingredients that work together to deliver flavor, texture, and comfort. Each item plays a key role, and skipping any one of them would throw off the balance of the dish. Here’s what you need:

• Ground beef
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream
• Pasta
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Ground beef brings that rich, meaty texture and savory flavor base. Rotel tomatoes are key for adding that Tex-Mex zing, with their perfect blend of tangy tomatoes and green chilies. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese create the luscious, melty sauce, while heavy cream boosts the richness and smoothness. Pasta is the carb canvas that carries all the flavor.

Garlic powder and onion powder layer in subtle aromatic depth, and a touch of salt and pepper pulls everything together. A bit of olive oil gets things started in the skillet.

How To Make the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with seasoning.

Step 3: Stir in Rotel

Pour the Rotel tomatoes into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Cheddar

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is coming together, cook your pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the creamy beef and Rotel sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated and warmed through.

Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

This hearty dish is best served hot right from the stove, but the leftovers are just as satisfying. It feeds about 4 to 6 people, making it a perfect family dinner or an easy potluck contribution.

If you’re planning to serve it later, keep the pasta and sauce separate so the noodles don’t absorb too much liquid and become mushy. When storing leftovers, use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, though for best texture, fresh is ideal.

What to Serve With Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef?

Garlic Bread

Nothing soaks up creamy sauce like a slice of warm garlic bread. The buttery crunch complements the cheesy pasta beautifully.

Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Try some roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness and slight char add another layer of flavor.

Cornbread

For a southern spin, serve a slice of sweet cornbread. It pairs especially well with the spicy Rotel heat.

Steamed Green Beans

A simple side of lightly steamed green beans adds color and freshness.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms add earthiness that complements the beefy, cheesy flavor profile.

Caesar Salad

Classic Caesar salad is always a hit and adds a salty, creamy crunch to the meal.

Pickled Jalapeños or Onions

Add a spicy-tangy twist to cut through the creaminess by serving some pickled veggies on the side.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef, you’re going to want to try these next:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a velvety take on a dinnertime classic.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you want something ultra easy and ready in minutes.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, cheesy comfort.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce that’s indulgent and packed with bold flavor.
• Creamy Beef and Shells for a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with extra jalapeños? Swap in ground turkey or chicken? Try it with shell pasta?

I always love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your questions below too—let’s keep dinner delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: