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Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef: The Ultimate Quick Comfort Meal

This Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef recipe is a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef can be swapped for ground turkey or lentils
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or vegetable oil/butter
  • 1 medium Onion chopped; yellow or red onion can be used
  • 2 cloves Garlic freshly minced; garlic powder is an alternative
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies or regular diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream sour cream or Greek yogurt can lighten it up
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 8 ounces Pasta (Penne or Rotini) other shapes like fusilli or elbow macaroni can be used
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for meltiness
For Seasoning & Garnish
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika intensifies flavor beautifully
  • optional Red Pepper Flakes for added spice
  • to garnish Fresh Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1 minute.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
  4. Mix in 1 can (10 oz) of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, stirring well. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  6. Stir in 8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer for 10–12 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

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