Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef—a weeknight superstar that brings hearty flavors, just the right amount of spice, and luscious creaminess to your table in less than 30 minutes! Whether you’re serving picky eaters or flavor seekers, this dish beautifully balances the savory goodness of ground beef, the subtle zing from Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and an ultra-silky cheese sauce that hugs every bite. It’s comfort food at its brightest, and once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your dinner rotation again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for this creamy pasta is so simple but essential, and each ingredient plays a star role in making the final dish pop with flavor, texture, and color. Don’t skip or swap too much—each one is a game-changer!

• Elbow Macaroni (8 ounces): This pasta shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you the perfect bite every time.
• Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty base of the dish, delivering rich, meaty flavor in every forkful.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 ounce can): This is where the magic happens—a can brings zing, color, and that unmistakable spicy-tangy kick.
• Cream Cheese (8-ounce block, softened): Melted into the sauce for a touch of tang and a silken, creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey richness and that classic bold cheddar punch.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): The secret sauce-base that deepens flavor and helps everything blend together smoothly.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): For warmth and a boost of garlicky goodness without the effort of peeling and chopping.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings that comforting depth that makes this dish taste like home.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances and heightens all the other flavors—taste and adjust as you go!
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A splash to help brown the beef and boost flavor from beneath.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh bite to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the elbow macaroni. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—this will help the pasta hold its shape even after it gets tossed with the creamy sauce. Drain thoroughly, set aside, and get ready for the real fun.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Return the now-empty pot to the stove and heat the olive oil over medium. Crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and irresistible, about 4 to 5 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, simply spoon it off so your sauce stays silky and not greasy.

Step 3: Infuse with Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper right over the sizzling beef. Let them cook together for about a minute—this little step makes the difference between “good” and “wow!” as the seasonings bloom and coat the beef with savory flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Rotel Sauce

Pour in the entire can of Rotel (juice and all), plus the softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir constantly as the cream cheese melts into the broth and tomatoes, giving you a luscious, slightly spicy sauce that smells heavenly. Don’t rush—let it get totally smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Add Cheddar

Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and gently fold it into the creamy Rotel-beef mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar in gradually and stir until it’s fully melted and coats every piece of pasta in a blanket of cheesy goodness. You’re almost there!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef right onto plates or into bowls. For that finishing touch, scatter chopped cilantro or parsley over the top—you’ve just taken this dish from weeknight-quick to weekend-special!

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a sprinkle of vibrant fresh herbs—try finely chopped cilantro for a Tex-Mex twist, or parsley if you crave a more classic note. You can even top your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef with a few extra shreds of cheddar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Side Dishes

This pasta holds its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlicky Texas toast, or simple roasted veggies. Serve it with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a tangy cucumber salad for texture and balance on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy—try baking your leftover Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef in a casserole dish, topped with a crushed tortilla chip crust for crunch. Or, spoon it into mini ramekins for individual servings at potlucks or parties. Top with jalapeño slices if you want to up the visual excitement and kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic lunch or quick dinner option for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish if you’d like—let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Cream cheese-based sauces might get a little grainy when thawed, but a good stir as you reheat fixes most texture hiccups.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen things up as it warms in the microwave or on the stovetop. Heat gently and stir often until it’s creamy again. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for the best results.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies?

If you can’t find Rotel, try using regular diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies. You can also experiment with fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier flavor in your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, rotini, penne, or shells also work—just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the rich sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The original Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef has a gentle kick thanks to the green chilies, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or fold in extra diced jalapeños.

Can I lighten up this recipe?

To make a lighter version, use light cream cheese, lean ground beef or ground turkey, and reduced-fat cheddar. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and creaminess.

Is this a good make-ahead meal for meal prep?

Yes! Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef reheats very well, making it ideal for lunchboxes and meal prep. Just store in individual containers, reheat with a splash of liquid, and enjoy all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fast, filling, and absolutely loaded with bold flavor, Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is always a win. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite weeknight sensation!

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