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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Ultimate Comfort Meal

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is an indulgent dish that brings warmth and comfort in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Forms the base of the dish; substitute with any short pasta for variety.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Adds richness and protein; can be swapped for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Rotel Tomatoes Provides zest and flavor; regular canned tomatoes with chili flakes can be used for added heat.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Essential for the creamy texture; use softened Greek yogurt for a lighter version, keeping in mind it may alter consistency.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Adds depth; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhance overall flavor; fresh garlic can provide a fresher taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Enhance overall flavor; fresh onions can provide a fresher taste.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Melts beautifully into the dish; substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Used for browning beef; any cooking oil can be substituted as needed.
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro or Parsley Adds a fresh touch; can be omitted if preferred.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
  3. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the browned beef, mixing well. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir gently but thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.
  6. Once everything is well-combined and heated through, serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Let the cream cheese be at room temperature for smooth melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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