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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Alysse

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

A quick, creamy, and zesty pasta dish featuring ground beef, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Loved by millions for its bold flavor, easy one-pot preparation, and adaptability for families and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheese Mexican blend or cheddar & monterey jack
  • 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain, do not rinse.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add diced onion to beef; cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika; cook 30 seconds.
  4. Add Rotel (with juice) and cubed cream cheese. Cook, stirring, until cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  5. Pour in beef broth. Simmer 5 minutes to thicken. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Gradually stir in shredded cheese until melted and evenly combined.
  7. Remove from heat. Let rest 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey, gluten-free pasta, or dairy-free cheeses as needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • For extra heat, use Rotel Hot or add red pepper flakes.
  • Perfect for meal prep or doubling for gatherings!