If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, you have got to try this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes with a mild kick, and hearty ground beef all tossed with tender penne pasta. This recipe is a family favorite for good reason—each bite delivers a warm hug in pasta form, combining simple ingredients into a luscious, rich meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights or casual dinners. The way the cream cheese and cheddar melt into the spicy tomato base creates an irresistible sauce you’ll be dreaming about long after the last forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right only requires a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in balancing creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory notes. These pantry staples are all about flavor, texture, and freshness coming together in just the right way.
- Ground beef: The hearty base providing rich umami and protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a bright, spicy kick and vibrant color straight from the can—no chopping required.
- Penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce with its ridges and tube shape.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives a bold, melty finish that enhances every bite with its depth.
- Cream cheese: Responsible for that velvety, luxurious texture that makes the sauce so addicting.
- Heavy cream or whole milk: Lightens and smooths the sauce while adding richness without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Delivers that warm, savory aroma that wakes up the senses.
- Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory complexity under the surface.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the plate and adds color.
How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s completely browned. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat into small crumbles so it cooks evenly. If there’s a lot of fat released, drain the excess for a less greasy dish. This step builds your foundational flavor and protein for the dish.
Step 2: Season and Add Rotel Tomatoes
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef and stir well. Now add the canned Rotel tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and the tomatoes to infuse a zesty, slightly spicy brightness throughout the beef base.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts fully and creates a smooth sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This luscious sauce is what takes the dish from hearty to irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Cook the Penne Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta well. Cooking the pasta correctly is key so it perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef and tomato sauce. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the pasta is well coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. This step guarantees every bite will have that luscious creaminess blended with savory ground beef and spicy tomato notes.
Step 6: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit off heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the cheddar to slowly melt, adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Afterward, stir the cheese into the pasta to mix it fully and create a velvety finish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef. The fresh herbs bring a burst of color and a fresh, garden aroma that elevates the dish beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a lovely brightness and pop of green that complements the simmered flavors. Another delicious option is a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the creamy sauce beautifully right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make perfect dippers for the sauce and add crunchy texture to your meal. Roasted or steamed veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provide a fresh, wholesome balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe. For a more elegant presentation, plate the pasta neatly twirled in nests and garnish with fresh herbs and a little extra shredded cheese on top. You can also serve it in individual ramekins or bake with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy Rotel pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, making it an excellent meal for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing if you plan to add fresh herbs as garnish later; add those fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickened too much, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Heat just until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative and works wonderfully in this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Just brown and cook it the same way for a delicious twist.
What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?
If you don’t have Rotel, you can use regular diced tomatoes with a bit of diced green chilies or jalapeños added to mimic the spicy kick. This keeps the vibrant taste and texture close to the original.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat is mild to medium thanks to the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, which adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel varieties or adding red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as corn or rice pasta. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy change for those with dietary restrictions.
How long does it take to make this dish?
From start to finish, this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe takes about 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time. It’s a fantastic option for a quick, flavorful meal you can have on the table in no time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about that creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy bite of this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s a humble dish that feels special—a perfect weeknight dinner that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying a cozy solo meal, this recipe will soon become one of your go-to comfort foods that feels like a warm, delicious hug every time.
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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish combining perfectly seasoned ground beef, tangy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The penne pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in the luscious sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar, making it an irresistible one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Tomatoes
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies)
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Then add the Rotel tomatoes along with their juices. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Add cheddar and melt: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly. Stir again to incorporate the melted cheese evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve the creamy Rotel pasta warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich and creamy.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use Rotel tomatoes with extra hot green chilies.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a nice touch of freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lower-fat alternative, use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture enhances the dish’s overall bite and prevents mushiness.
