Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is a quick, cheesy dinner made with tender pasta, ground beef, and spicy Rotel tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. This family-friendly one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep. A Tex-Mex pasta fusion favorite packed with flavor!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. 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.
2. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
3. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes and simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.
5. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
6. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well so everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Keep the pasta and sauce separate if making ahead to prevent sogginess.
Add fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach, corn, or bell pepper for more texture.
For more heat, add extra Rotel, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg