Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a bold, cheesy, comforting Tex-Mex-inspired weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder if using.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Toss until everything is well coated and the cheese is melted.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Tip: Use any pasta shape you prefer; rotini or penne works best.
- Make it extra creamy by stirring in a little extra milk or cream cheese to reach your desired consistency.
- Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- For more heat, increase chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 1125
- Sugar: Approx. 7 g
- Sodium: Approx. 900 mg
- Fat: Approx. 60 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 32 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 120 g
- Fiber: Approx. 4 g
- Protein: Approx. 46 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 210 mg
Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, Rotel pasta, Creamy beef pasta, Tex-Mex pasta, easy weeknight dinner