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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef - featured image
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A quick and comforting dinner featuring creamy tomato sauce, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and browned ground beef tossed with pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 can (10 oz / 283g) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies
  • 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended; can mix with mozzarella)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (28g) butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp (28g) butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 can (10 oz / 283g) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and slowly stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to thicken the sauce slightly.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika if desired.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy beef and tomato sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
  8. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

Do not rush browning the beef to develop flavor. Stir cheese in off heat to avoid graininess. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melting. Add reserved pasta water to loosen thick sauce. Optional spices like chili powder or smoked paprika add smoky flavor. Can substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel pasta, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, Tex-Mex pasta

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-rotel-pasta-with-ground-beef-recipe-easy-comforting-dinner-idea/