Looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love? You just found it!
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate one-pan meal—full of cheesy goodness, tender pasta, and juicy beef in a spicy tomato cream sauce. It’s the kind of dinner you can throw together in 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients. And the best part? It tastes like something you’d get from a cozy restaurant, but made right at home.
Whether it’s a lazy weeknight or you just need something comforting after a long day, this recipe is here to save the night!
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- One-pot magic – Fewer dishes to clean.
- Budget-friendly – Uses ingredients you probably already have.
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting – A hug in a bowl.
- Customizable – Swap meat, pasta, or add veggies as you like.
Perfect for families, picky eaters, or anyone who loves a rich and satisfying pasta dish!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy Rotel pasta:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or penne, shells, etc.)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Use
- Deep skillet or sauté pan
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (to drain pasta)
- Cheese grater (for fresh cheese)
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large pan, heat oil and cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any extra fat.
Step 3: Sauté Onion & Garlic
Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Rotel & Seasonings
Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn heat to low. Stir in the cream, then slowly add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and melty.
Step 6: Mix Pasta In
Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Top with parsley or green onions and enjoy hot!
💡 Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use freshly shredded cheese – it melts better and makes your sauce creamier.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – you want it slightly firm (al dente).
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat!
- Want to make it healthier? Toss in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or corn.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking beef – it gets dry. Stop cooking when it’s just browned.
- Dumping in cheese too fast – always melt it slowly over low heat.
- Skipping salt adjustment – taste and season at the end, after cheese is added.
🍴 What to Serve With It
Make it a full meal by pairing with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy biscuits
- A fresh green salad or coleslaw
- Iced tea or lemonade
- A light dessert like Peach Crisp or Strawberry Yogurt Cups
🥡 How to Store & Reheat
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Microwave with a splash of cream or broth, or warm on the stove.
🔁 Easy Variations to Try
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken
- Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream
- Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch
- Make it a baked pasta – just top with cheese and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes
❓ FAQs
Is it spicy?
Only a little! Use mild Rotel if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more heat with chili flakes.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Penne, shells, bowtie, or elbow pasta all work great.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes – just store the pasta and sauce separately for best texture.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is comfort food at its best—warm, cheesy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will hit the spot every single time.
If you love easy dinner ideas, comforting pasta dishes, and recipes that don’t take all night, you’ll love everything we share here at RecipeSize.
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