Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

If you’re in the mood for a rich, hearty, and slightly spicy pasta dish that comes together in a snap, this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy sauce, juicy ground beef, and zesty tomatoes, it’s a one-pot meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Fewer dishes mean more time to relax.
Fast & Filling – Ready in under 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have.
Bold Flavors – Creamy cheese, zesty tomatoes, and seasoned beef create a flavor-packed combo.
Family Favorite – It’s mild enough for kids, but you can easily spice it up.
Versatile – Works great with different pasta shapes and add-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (mild or original)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board
• Strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
4. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6-8 minutes).
6. Drain excess fat if needed.
7. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
8. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
9. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
10. Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4: Make it Creamy
11. Lower the heat to medium-low.
12. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
13. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Serve
14. Return the cooked pasta to the pot and mix until fully coated with the creamy sauce.
15. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so everything melds together.
16. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
17. Remove from heat.
18. Sprinkle with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or green onions for a fresh finish.
19. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness.

Tips for the Best Creamy Rotel Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Adjust the Spice – Use mild Rotel for less heat, or add jalapeños for extra kick.
Make it Stretch – Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish.
Swap the Soup – Cream of chicken or cheddar soup can be used for a different flavor.
Keep it Creamy – If reheating, add a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad – A crisp salad balances the rich pasta.
Steamed Veggies – Broccoli or green beans make great sides.
Tortilla Chips – Use them to scoop like a creamy beefy dip.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm on low heat, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative.
2. Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free condensed soup.
3. What cheese works best besides cheddar?
   Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
4. Can I prep this ahead?
   Absolutely. Make the full dish, cool it, and reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is your go-to meal when you want something quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and just a little spicy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your delicious creation on Pinterest!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 29g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 740mg

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