Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table? This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the perfect solution for those cozy weeknight meals. Combining the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with the creamy goodness of cream cheese and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet flavorful enough to impress, making it the ultimate meal for any occasion.

Picture this: a steaming bowl of pasta, enveloped in a cheesy, creamy sauce, and topped with your favorite shredded cheese. Not only is it satisfying and hearty, but it also comes together in a flash, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying precious moments with your loved ones. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite ingredients, ensuring that every bite is exactly what you crave.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)

Here’s a glimpse of the delicious ingredients waiting to come together.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break it up. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Seasoning: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef with the spices.
4. Combine Tomatoes: Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
5. Incorporate Cream: Reduce heat to low, and add cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and combined.
6. Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and mix. Then, add the cooked macaroni, stirring until well combined and heated through.
7. Final Touch: Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and gooey. Remove from heat and serve hot!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a healthier twist.
• Optional Variations: Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor. Spice it up with jalapeños if you prefer a kick.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain creaminess.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy