Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
A delicious and hearty pasta dish combining beef, creamy cheese, and the kick of Rotel, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main 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.
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and beef broth. Mix until the cream cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the pasta is soaked in the creamy mixture.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños when cooking the beef. If you like your dish spicier, use hot Rotel instead of mild. Experiment with different cheese types to find your favorite combination. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore the creaminess.