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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for a Cozy Family Dinner

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a quick and family-friendly dish that offers a flavor explosion and versatility, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni A classic choice that holds the creamy sauce well.
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Offers hearty protein; ground turkey or plant-based alternatives work as lighter options.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Essential for browning the meat and adding richness; can be substituted with canola oil.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Elevates the dish's flavor; fresh minced garlic can impart a stronger taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds depth and savory notes; consider using finely diced fresh onion for texture.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Key for balancing flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) Delivers zest and moisture; if unavailable, plain diced tomatoes with spices can work.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Creates a wonderfully creamy sauce; feel free to use sour cream for a tangy twist.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Enriches flavor; for vegetarian needs, switch to vegetable broth.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Adds extra creaminess; Monterey Jack or dairy-free versions can be good substitutes.
Optional Add-Ins
  • to taste Sliced Jalapeños For an extra kick in your creamy sauce; adjust to your spice tolerance.

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
  3. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the cooked beef. Cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add a can of Rotel tomatoes, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 1 cup of beef broth to the seasoned beef. Stir over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Return the cooked macaroni back to the pot, stirring to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Then, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
  6. Once everything is well mixed and heated through, scoop the creamy pasta into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. This dish freezes well for up to 1 month.

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