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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Weeknight Comfort Bliss

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a quick, comforting dish that combines zesty Rotel sauce with tender penne pasta and savory ground beef.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Vegetable oil or butter works as a substitute.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be a great alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
For the Sauce
  • 10 oz Rotel Tomatoes Fresh diced tomatoes with chili flakes can replace it for a milder option.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Chicken or vegetable broth can be swapped in easily.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half or non-dairy milk can lighten it up.
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese Adjust the amount to achieve desired thickness.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
For Topping
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Consider a Mexican blend or dairy-free cheese if preferred.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder) Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the beef apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  4. Stir in the Sauce Ingredients: Add the Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in the creamy sauce.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure delicate heat control when adding heavy cream and cheese to prevent curdling. Stir constantly for the best results.

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