Hey there, lovely friends! Today, I want to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day—it’s my Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. Picture this: it’s late afternoon, and the sun is just starting to dip on the horizon, casting a cozy glow in your kitchen. The kids are back from school, voices bubbling with energy, and you’re wondering what to whip up for dinner that won’t take all evening. This dish has been a faithful companion in our household, merging the zippy flavors of Rotel tomatoes with the comforting nature of pasta and ground beef. It’s quick, hearty, and sticks to your ribs in the best way possible—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feel like a culinary superstar without breaking a sweat.

Why do I love this dish so much, you ask? It’s simple. It combines familiar, comforting flavors with just a hint of excitement from the spices and creaminess. The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan, the vibrant colors of tomatoes and cheese melting together—it truly feels like home. Plus, it’s easily adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe holds up beautifully. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish means you can spend less time cooking and more time with your loved ones.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pantry staples make this meal light on the wallet.
• Comforting Flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and just a bit spicy, it checks all the comfort food boxes.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less dishes means more time to relax after dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini work great)
• 1 pound of ground beef (you can also use turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 can (10 ounces) of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch!)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get our hands dirty! Follow these easy steps to make this mouthwatering dish:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks so you don’t end up with giant meatballs! Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Flavors: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. The smell at this stage will start to make your mouth water!
4. Mix in Rotel: Pour in the can of Rotel and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to blend those flavors together.
5. In Goes the Cream: Add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream to the pot. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. This is the step where things get luxuriously rich!
6. Cheesy Goodness: Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring. Yum! Allow it to melt and savor the cheesiness.
7. Combine with Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta until every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness.
8. Serve it Up: Serve warm, garnished with some fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Don’t forget to dig in!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s have a little fun!

• Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a teaspoon of taco seasoning or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or a mix of colorful bell peppers and zucchini.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in a variety of cheeses—Monterey Jack or even Pepper Jack for a spicier twist could elevate the dish!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta is perfect for cozy weeknight family dinners. Picture this: you have a big bowl of this luscious pasta, warm crusty bread on the side, and a simple green salad to balance it out. A glass of iced tea (or a cheeky glass of wine) would make this meal utterly inviting. There’s something about gathering around a table with good food that just warms the heart, isn’t there?

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I never seem to), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store your creamy Rotel pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish as well! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It should last for about two months.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy goodness!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep everything a day before—cook the pasta and brown the beef, then store separately in the fridge. Just combine everything and heat through when you’re ready to serve. It comes together quickly!

What other types of pasta work well with this recipe?

While penne and rotini are favorites, feel free to try out farfalle, shells, or any pasta shape you love! Just make sure it holds the creamy sauce nicely.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply use regular diced tomatoes instead of the spicy Rotel. You can also control the amount of garlic and onion powder to suit your taste.

What can I pair this with for a full meal?

Besides the fresh green salad I mentioned earlier, it pairs beautifully with garlic bread or even a light buttered corn on the side. Trust me, you’ll want something to scoop up every bit of that creamy sauce!

Conclusion

I hope you’re excited to try this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef because it truly is a delightful dish that warms the soul. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you—did you spice it up? Serve it with a twist? I’d love to hear your take on it, so drop a comment below or share your experience. Happy cooking, friends!

Delicious Creamy Rotel Pasta w/ Ground Beef: Quick & Easy Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this creamy Rotel pasta dish featuring ground beef. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect meal for any night!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)

1 pound of ground beef (or turkey)

1 can (10 ounces) of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup

1 cup of heavy cream

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Add the Flavors: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix in Rotel: Pour in the can of Rotel and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

In Goes the Cream: Add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream to the pot. Stir until well combined.

Cheesy Goodness: Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring. Allow it to melt.

Combine with Pasta: Fold in the cooked pasta until every noodle is coated.

Serve it Up: Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Notes

This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a delicious, comforting dish that combines familiar flavors with a hint of excitement, ready in about 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes, One-Pot Meals