Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Made with Rotel

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef – Spicy, Cheesy, One-Pot Comfort Food

Introduction
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate spicy, cheesy comfort meal that comes together fast in one pot and satisfies every craving. Rich, creamy sauce blends with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and the bold flavor of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. It’s indulgent without being heavy, spicy without overpowering, and just plain cozy.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, game night, or looking for a crowd-pleaser with pantry staples, this dish brings serious flavor with minimal effort. The creamy base balances the spice perfectly, making it warm, bold, and totally comforting.

It’s everything you love about a hearty pasta bake—without the baking.

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef: The savory heart of the dish. Use lean ground beef (85–90%) for balanced flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist.
• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: The signature ingredient. These canned tomatoes bring tang, heat, and depth. Choose original or mild depending on your spice preference.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini all work well. You want a shape that holds sauce in every bite.
• Cream Cheese: Adds velvety richness and tempers the spice from the Rotel. Full-fat or light versions both work.
• Shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack: Melts into the sauce for cheesy goodness.
• Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that deepen the flavor and complement the beef and spice.
• Milk or Broth: Helps loosen and smooth the sauce. Use whole milk or low-sodium broth for best results.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder round out the flavors.

Substitutions:
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter touch. Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water if you want to thin the sauce later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
   In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks until no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Aromatics
   Add ½ diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the Rotel and Seasonings
   Pour in 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (undrained). Stir in ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp chili powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend.
5. Make It Creamy
   Add 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Pour in ½ cup milk or broth and stir until creamy and slightly thickened.
6. Add the Cheese and Pasta
   Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar. Once melted, fold in the cooked pasta. Mix until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, if needed to loosen.
7. Finish and Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for even more richness.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or corn for color and nutrients.
• Spice Control: Use mild Rotel for less heat or add extra chili powder and jalapeños for more.
• Make It a Bake: Pour into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or roasted cauliflower.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Perfect for:

• Cozy Weeknight Dinners: Quick, filling, and kid-approved
• Game Day Comfort Food: Hearty and shareable
• Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats smoothly
• Potlucks or Casual Gatherings: Always a hit

Pair with:

• A crisp green salad
• Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans
• Garlic bread or low-carb rolls
• Sweet iced tea or a light beer

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is rich in protein from the ground beef and cheese and offers customizable carbs depending on your pasta choice.

• Use lean meat and whole grain pasta for a more balanced version
• Add veggies for fiber and vitamins
• Cream cheese adds healthy fat, but use in moderation for calorie control

To lighten:

• Use ground turkey or chicken
• Substitute light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese
• Stir in extra veggies or use a veggie-based pasta

FAQs

Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well. Keep seasonings the same or adjust to taste.

How spicy is this?
It has a gentle kick. Use mild Rotel for a toned-down version or add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly. Freeze in portions and reheat thoroughly.

What pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal—they hold onto the creamy sauce.

Can I skip the cream cheese?
You can, but it gives the sauce its signature richness. Greek yogurt or sour cream are suitable alternatives.

Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta and confirm your canned ingredients are gluten-free. Always double-check labels.

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