Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort dish for those nights when you want a flavorful, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This pasta is loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy, spicy Rotel cheese sauce that brings just the right amount of kick. It’s a recipe that effortlessly blends Southern soul food flavor with easy weeknight dinner simplicity.

Whether you’re serving up a casual family dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish checks every box. It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. The best part? It only takes one pan and minimal prep, which means more time to relax and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

This dish is the definition of quick and delicious. You get the bold flavors of Rotel tomatoes combined with savory beef and creamy cheese that coats every bite of pasta perfectly. It’s ideal for meal prep, easily reheats, and tastes just as good the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While elbow macaroni or rotini are classic picks for this kind of dish, feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Penne and shells both hold onto that cheesy sauce beautifully. The real star here is the creamy Rotel sauce, so pick a pasta shape that scoops up every drop.

Ingredients for the Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Every ingredient in this dish serves a purpose, from the richness of the beef to the tangy zip of the tomatoes. Together, they create that creamy, crave-worthy bite that keeps everyone coming back.

  • Ground Beef
  • Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • Pasta
  • Cream Cheese
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Beef Broth
  • Butter
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How To Make the Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or deep pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add the Rotel

Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained. Stir it into the beef mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

Stir in the uncooked pasta and pour in the beef broth. The broth will help cook the pasta and infuse it with flavor. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Add a tablespoon of butter to smooth it out. Mix until everything is melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. Garnish with a bit of extra shredded cheese if you’d like.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

This creamy Rotel pasta makes a generous portion, feeding around 4 to 6 people comfortably. Serve it hot straight from the skillet, and pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Leftovers? Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion to this creamy dish.

Green Salad

A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome veggie side.

Cornbread

A Southern twist that works well with the spicy tomato base.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like extra heat, these add tang and spice to each bite.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado pairs wonderfully with the cheesy pasta.

Sweet Tea

A tall glass of sweet tea is classic comfort to round out the meal.

Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit lightens the plate and offers a refreshing finish.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love the rich and cheesy goodness of this pasta, here are some more weeknight favorites to explore:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice? Swap in turkey instead of beef? I love hearing your twists on it. If you have questions, drop them below. We’re all about cooking smarter together.

Explore more soul-satisfying dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find something new to make tonight!

Conclusion

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a weeknight winner. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish will become one of your go-to meals for busy nights. From the creamy, spicy sauce to the tender pasta and savory beef, every forkful hits the spot.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef (2)
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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a quick and comforting one-skillet dinner packed with cheesy goodness and a spicy tomato kick. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy pasta recipe combines tender noodles, seasoned beef, and creamy Rotel cheese sauce into a hearty family favorite.


Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz, undrained)

8 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups beef broth

1 tbsp butter


Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain excess grease.

2. Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes to the pan. Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.

3. Stir in the pasta and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender (about 12–15 minutes).

4. Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

5. Serve hot with optional garnish of more cheese or herbs.

Notes

Use any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

For a spicier version, use hot Rotel or add cayenne pepper.

Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
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