Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

When the chill in the air calls for something comforting, this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef hits all the right notes. A delightful blend of tender elbow macaroni, seasoned beef, and rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The zesty kick from the Rotel tomatoes elevates the flavors, ensuring that every bite is bursting with warmth and satisfaction.

Not only does this dish offer comforting flavors, but it also requires minimal fuss in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or wanting to impress last-minute guests, this recipe is your go-to. With its creamy texture and delicious taste, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)

Here are the ingredients ready for a delicious meal preparation.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.

3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the browned beef. Mix well to incorporate.

4. Combine with Tomatoes: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the skillet. Allow to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese and beef broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.

6. Combine with Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is well-coated with the creamy beef mixture.

7. Add Cheese: Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the pasta. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve: Spoon the creamy pasta into bowls and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Swap cream cheese with sour cream for a tangy flavor.
• Optional Variations: Add bell peppers or corn for extra veggies, or sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

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