A Quick & Creamy One-Pot Dinner Everyone Will Love
If you’re craving something creamy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is exactly what you need. With hearty pasta, seasoned beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort in every bite.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like something straight out of a restaurant — without the extra effort!
Did you know that just one can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) can completely transform your pasta dish? The tomatoes add a touch of acidity and heat that cuts through the creaminess, creating an irresistible balance of flavors. Think of it as your everyday pasta getting a spicy, Southern-inspired upgrade!
If you’re a fan of my Spicy Chicken Alfredo, you’ll love this creamy, beefy twist just as much. Let’s get cooking — this crowd-pleasing comfort dish is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
🍅 What Is Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef?
At its heart, this recipe combines three things everyone loves: pasta, cheese, and beef. What makes it special is the addition of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies — that little can of flavor magic that gives the sauce its signature kick.
The result? A creamy, cheesy pasta with a Tex-Mex flair — comforting yet lively, familiar yet exciting. It’s the perfect middle ground between mac and cheese and taco night!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef because:
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🥘 It’s a One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor — need we say more?
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💸 Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together to make a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
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🔥 Full of Flavor: The creamy sauce meets the zesty tang of Rotel for a perfect flavor balance.
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🧀 Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this in minutes.
If you enjoy creamy dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo or Beef Stroganoff, this recipe is a must-try twist.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy Rotel pasta, gather:
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work best)
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1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
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1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef
Quick Overview
🕐 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Brown the Beef
In the same pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart as it browns, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until no pink remains. -
Add the Rotel
Pour in the can of Rotel (juices and all). Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. -
Make It Creamy
Add heavy cream to the beef mixture. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce should thicken slightly as it simmers. -
Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and mix well until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. -
Serve & Garnish
Spoon the pasta into bowls, top with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
🍽 What to Serve With Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:
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🥗 Simple Green Salad: A light vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
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🍞 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that sauce.
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🥦 Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted peppers add freshness.
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🧊 Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cool drink complements the subtle spice from the Rotel.
💡 Tips for the Best Rotel Pasta
✅ Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
✅ Adjust the Spice: Use Hot Rotel for more kick, or add jalapeños or cayenne for a bolder flavor.
✅ Make It Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use vegan cheese alternatives.
✅ Don’t Overcook: Pasta should stay slightly firm to hold up in the creamy sauce.
Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice: penne, rotini, or bowties)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 can (10 oz.) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (and a little extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Browning the Beef
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding the Rotel
- Stir in the can of Rotel (with juices) into the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Combining with Cream
- Add in the heavy cream, stirring well until the mixture starts bubbling. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Mixing in the Cheese
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until it's melted and creamy.
Tossing the Pasta
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the creamy beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is well-coated and combined.
Serving the Dish
- Dish out your creamy Rotel pasta into bowls, and sprinkle a little extra cheese and fresh parsley or cilantro on top for garnish. Serve warm.
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