Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. With a delightful blend of creamy cheese and zesty tomatoes, this dish features a mouthwatering combination of flavors. The vibrant colors of the pasta and toppings make it as visually appealing as it is delicious, creating a meal that everyone will eagerly dig into. Serve it with a crisp salad or warm bread for a complete family feast!
This easy, one-pan recipe is not only tasty but also a breeze to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy nights. The creamy texture and hint of spice from the Rotel tomatoes will awaken your taste buds with every bite. In this article, you’ll discover all the steps to create this delightful dish, along with tips for serving and storage, ensuring a successful cooking experience every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizes high-quality, flavorful ingredients that enhance the dish.
- Ease of Preparation: A quick one-pot meal that reduces mess and cleanup.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from ground beef and nutrients from tomatoes and cheese.
- Versatility: Easily customizable and can be made with different proteins and veggies.
- Presentation: The colorful dish looks as good as it tastes, perfect for family dinners.
This recipe offers something for everyone, ensuring satisfaction at the dinner table.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start by selecting the right ingredients to make this vibrant dish shine!
Main Protein
Ground Beef
Ground beef adds heartiness and flavor to the dish.
Make sure to use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
If you’re looking for an alternative, ground turkey or chicken works great.
Watch for overcooking; aim for a balanced browning to maintain juiciness.
Starch/Pasta
Elbow Macaroni
Choose 8 oz of elbow macaroni for perfect bite-sized pieces.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
If you’re looking for an alternative, feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
Avoid overcooking it for the best texture.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
These spices infuse your dish with aromatic flavors.
Use 1 tsp each of garlic and onion powder.
If you’re looking for an alternative, replace with fresh minced garlic and finely diced onion.
Be cautious with seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Liquids/Dairy
Cream Cheese and Beef Broth
Cream cheese provides creaminess while beef broth adds depth.
Use 8 oz of cream cheese, softened, and 1 cup beef broth.
If you’re looking for an alternative, consider sour cream for a tangy twist, or substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Stir well to combine and avoid lumps.
Aromatics & Vegetables
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel)
1 can of Rotel brings a zesty kick to the pasta.
Simply open the can and drain slightly before adding.
If you’re looking for an alternative, plain diced tomatoes with spices can do the trick.
This adds both flavor and a pop of color.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar for a perfect cheesy finish.
Sprinkle over the pasta before serving for added flavor.
If you’re looking for an alternative, try Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese.
Ensure even melting for that gooey texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Whip up this creamy pasta easily in just one pan, making it perfect for busy nights!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Once the beef is browned, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant—this step enhances flavor!
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the skillet.
Stir well and let it simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Cheese
Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, followed by 8 oz of cream cheese.
Stir until the cream cheese melts, creating a smooth sauce—about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni until well coated with the sauce.
Allow it to heat through for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover with a lid for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully, creating a gooey topping.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from heat, give it a gentle stir, and serve immediately!
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for added color and flavor.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a bright bowl to highlight the colorful toppings.
- Accompaniments: Pair with garlic bread or fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Portions: This recipe serves about 4–6, making it great for family dinners.
- Beverage Pairing: A light beer or refreshing iced tea complements the meal perfectly!
A proper serving makes all the difference in enjoying this hearty dish.
Additional Tips
- Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños to the beef for heat!
- Veggie Loaded: Toss in cooked broccoli or zucchini for added veggies.
- Creamy Pesto: Mix in basil pesto with the cream cheese for a herby twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pasta strainer
- Airtight container for storage
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, frozen ground beef and frozen veggies can be used, just thaw before cooking.
2. Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Absolutely! By choosing lean beef and adding vegetables, it can be a nutritious choice.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead; just reheat when ready to serve.
4. What if I want to customize the flavors?
Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add different cheeses according to your preference!
5. Are there alternative cooking methods?
You can make this dish in a slow cooker; just follow the same steps and allow for longer cooking time.
Conclusion
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting dish that marries flavor with ease. Remember its creamy goodness and vibrant colors make it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of tastes while creating memories around the dinner table. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives.
Starch/Pasta
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Alternatives include any pasta shape.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can be substituted with fresh minced garlic.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder Can be replaced with finely diced onion.
Liquids/Dairy
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Should be softened before use. Sour cream can be an alternative.
- 1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) Drain slightly before adding. Plain diced tomatoes with spices can be used as an alternative.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can be substituted with Monterey Jack or dairy-free cheese.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by heating 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks.
Cooking
- Once the beef is browned, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, followed by the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts.
- Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni until well coated with the sauce. Heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Remove from heat, stir gently, and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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