Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, you’ve got to try this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s a delightful marriage of tender pasta, rich ground beef, and a luscious, creamy sauce loaded with zesty Rotel tomatoes and melty cheddar cheese. This recipe spills all the cozy vibes you want on a busy weeknight but feels special enough to share with family and friends. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and satisfying texture. From the savory beef to the bright punch of Rotel tomatoes and the cheesy, creamy sauce, these essentials come together effortlessly.

• 1 lb ground beef: This provides hearty protein and a rich base for the sauce.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant boost that wakes up the whole dish.
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained: Offers zesty flavor with a gentle kick and vibrant color.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: The secret to creamy texture and earthy undertones.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-rich and silky smooth.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, binding everything beautifully.
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended): These shapes hold the sauce well for every bite.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity note.
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finish and pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water to cook your favorite pasta, penne or rotini works wonders here. Cooking it al dente ensures it holds up perfectly when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside—this base will soak up all that rich flavor beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté them gently until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step is key to layering flavor—those soft, sweet onions plus the garlicky aroma set a delicious stage for the beef.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook it well until no pink remains and it’s beautifully browned. Browning amplifies flavor, so don’t rush this. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Add Rotel and Cream of Mushroom Soup

Pour the entire can of Rotel tomatoes, undrained, into your beef mixture along with the condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until combined. The Rotel adds a spicy, tangy brightness, while the mushroom soup thickens and enriches the sauce base.

Step 5: Simmer with Heavy Cream

Add the cup of heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes; this helps the sauce reduce slightly and thicken into a lusciously creamy consistency that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring constantly. The cheese melts into a velvety, gooey sauce that hooks you with every bite. This step transforms the dish into a comfort food masterpiece with that irresistible cheesy allure.

Step 7: Season to Taste

At this point, taste your creamy mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. These simple seasonings elevate all the flavors and balance the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing until every piece is lovingly coated with the creamy Rotel-cheese sauce. This helps the flavors marry and distributes the perfect balance of texture in every forkful.

Step 9: Serve Warm with Optional Garnish

Serve your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe hot and fresh from the stove. For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped green onions on top—this simple garnish brightens the dish and adds a lovely crunch.

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley provide a crisp burst of color and mild oniony freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness of the pasta. A little extra shredded cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika can also add flair.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a light mixed green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also pair wonderfully, soaking up any leftover sauce and making your meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in individual ramekins for a cute, cozy presentation. Alternatively, add a colorful vegetable medley like roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli on the side. For a fun twist, top with crushed tortilla chips—hinting at the Tex-Mex vibe from the Rotel tomatoes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain the creaminess and integrity of the flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for longer storage—just portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When frozen, it’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s creamy texture if it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe and make it lighter, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning for flavor depth since they are milder meats.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe?

You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist that still brings savory richness and texture to the dish.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne and rotini are great because their shapes catch and hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to use any pasta you love, even shells or elbows.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated, just cook the pasta fresh or warm both gently together later to avoid mushy noodles.

How spicy is this dish?

The Rotel tomatoes with green chilies add a mild, pleasant heat that’s not overpowering—perfect for those who enjoy a little kick but don’t want it too fiery. Adjust to your liking by choosing mild or original Rotel.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes dinner time feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your newest favorite comfort food!

Print