Creamy Rotel Pasta Recipe with Savory Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef – 7 Spicy Ingredients and Bold, Cheesy Comfort

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef – Spicy Comfort Food

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the kind of unapologetic comfort food that brings bold flavor, creamy texture, and just the right kick of heat. With tender pasta coated in a cheesy, spicy sauce made from Rotel tomatoes and ground beef, it’s a fast, filling meal that delivers big satisfaction in every bite.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple pantry staples, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something warm, cheesy, and just a little fiery. The balance of spice, beefy richness, and creamy cheese sauce hits all the right notes.

It’s kid-friendly (with mild Rotel) and adult-approved (with extra spice if you like), and it makes excellent leftovers—though you might not have any.

Ingredients Overview

Ground beef forms the meaty base of this dish. Choose lean (85/15 or 90/10) for a balance of flavor and reduced grease. It browns quickly and infuses the sauce with savory depth.

Rotel tomatoes—diced tomatoes with green chilies—are the spicy heart of the recipe. They add tang, a touch of heat, and juicy acidity that balances the creamy cheese. Choose original, mild, or hot based on your spice preference.

Pasta, like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni, works best to hold the creamy sauce in every crevice. Cook it just to al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Cream cheese is what makes this pasta creamy and comforting. It melts into the sauce, mellowing the spice and adding richness. Full-fat or reduced-fat versions both work.

Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese adds stretch and sharp flavor. It complements the cream cheese and brings extra depth to the sauce.

Garlic and onion build flavor into the beef. Sautéed until golden, they create the aromatic base that ties everything together.

Optional extras like taco seasoning, paprika, or jalapeños can take the spice level up a notch or add more smoky complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in 1 small chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in Rotel: Add 1 can (10 oz) of Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and moisture to reduce slightly.
5. Make it creamy: Add 4 oz cream cheese and stir until fully melted into the mixture. Then add 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until silky.
7. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or extra cheese if desired.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Plant-based crumbles also work well for a vegetarian version—just use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese to keep it vegan.

If you like more spice, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chipotle powder with the Rotel. For a smoky depth, try smoked paprika or chili powder.

Want more veggies? Stir in corn, spinach, or black beans after the cheese melts. They add color, fiber, and balance to the richness.

Swap cream cheese with a can of evaporated milk and Velveeta-style cheese for a different creamy texture.

Add a squeeze of lime juice or dollop of sour cream before serving to brighten and balance the heat.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Serve this pasta with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to lighten up the plate. Garlic bread makes a fun, indulgent pairing.

It’s great for casual weeknight dinners, movie nights, or laid-back gatherings where comfort food is the goal. Kids love the creamy texture, and spice lovers can easily doctor their plates with hot sauce or jalapeños.

Pack it in thermoses or airtight containers for next-day lunches—it reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.

You can also serve it baked—transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutritional & Health Notes

With ground beef and cheese, this dish is protein-rich and deeply satisfying. Each serving offers around 45g of protein when made with lean beef and a good portion of pasta.

Rotel tomatoes add vitamin C and lycopene, while pasta brings complex carbs for energy. Choosing whole-grain pasta or adding veggies boosts the fiber content.

For a lower-carb version, use lentil or chickpea pasta, or substitute spiralized zucchini. To cut saturated fat, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta and is adaptable for dairy-free or vegetarian needs with a few simple swaps.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare as directed, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Is Rotel very spicy?
Rotel comes in mild, original, and hot versions. Original has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by choosing the version that fits your spice preference.

Can I bake this pasta?
Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, elbow, or shells are perfect. Their ridges and shape hold the creamy sauce well without becoming mushy.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but texture may change slightly. Let it cool, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight before reheating. Add a bit of milk or broth when warming to smooth the sauce.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if using mild Rotel. You can reduce the spice further by using regular diced tomatoes and adding just a pinch of chili.

How can I lighten it up?
Use lean ground meat, reduced-fat cream cheese, and add extra veggies. For low-carb, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

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