Name: Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 1 pound ground beef; 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel); 1 cup beef broth; 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of spicy diced tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta showing three layers: at the bottom, a smooth, thick white sauce, in the middle, golden yellow penne pasta pieces scattered evenly, and on top, small brown ground meat chunks mixed with a few small red tomato pieces and green fresh chopped herbs sprinkled around, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to let the flavors blend.
Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), softened cream cheese, and beef broth to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy Rotel variant.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.
To make it vegetarian, skip the beef and add cooked beans or sautéed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy pasta showing three main layers: at the bottom, a smooth white cheese sauce; on top of that, a mix of yellow penne pasta with a glossy texture layered evenly; scattered throughout are small, browned bits of cooked ground beef adding a crumbly texture; bright red pieces of tomato are interspersed among the pasta; sprinkled fresh green basil leaves add a pop of color on the surface; the bowl is white with a thin black rim; the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

This pasta can be frozen, but the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly. To freeze, cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.