Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a quick, spicy, cheesy comfort dish that comes together in about 30 minutes for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 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 garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, milk, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and the cheese is melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in additional cream cheese or a splash of cream at the end.
- Use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used if needed; just cook according to the package directions.
- Adjust heat by adding more Rotel or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex-inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, Creamy Rotel Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, Rotel Pasta, Tex-Mex Pasta, Easy Creamy Pasta, 30 minute pasta