Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that perfectly marries comfort and flavor? Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef does just that, enveloping tender pasta in a rich, savory sauce that’s bursting with taste. Imagine the creamy texture combined with the zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes, creating an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
This dish takes me back to cozy family gatherings where the aroma of bubbling cheese and spices filled the kitchen. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends. The vibrant colors and enticing smells make it an instant hit at dinner parties. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet delicious recipe!
Key Ingredients For Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without excess grease, ensuring a hearty base for your pasta.
- Pasta: Any short pasta works well; I recommend rotini or penne as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Rotel Tomatoes: Choose the original or mild version depending on your spice preference; these add a nice punch of flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gooey finish that melts perfectly over the pasta.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, balancing out the flavors in the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile, giving it that aromatic touch.
- Beef Broth: This helps to create a flavorful sauce while keeping everything moist during cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Second Step : Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Third Step : Add Rotel Tomatoes
Stir in the Rotel tomatoes along with their juices. Allow this mixture to simmer for about five minutes to enhance flavors.
Fourth Step : Incorporate Cream Cheese
Add cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
Fifth Step : Cook Pasta
Meanwhile, boil water in a separate pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sixth Step : Combine Everything
Mix cooked pasta into the skillet with sauce. Pour in beef broth as needed for desired consistency. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
Transfer to plates and serve hot for an amazing finishing touch!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to season each layer of cooking; it builds depth of flavor throughout.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the heat by selecting spicy Rotel tomatoes or adding jalapeños if you prefer more zing.
- Add Vegetables: Consider throwing in bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color; they complement the dish beautifully.
Preparation Steps
Cooking Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Start by browning one pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish light and flavorful.
Next, add a diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients until they become translucent and fragrant. This step infuses your pasta with rich flavors. Once the onions soften, incorporate two cans of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) into the mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Now, pour in two cups of uncooked pasta and three cups of beef broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Afterward, remove the lid and stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that wraps around the pasta beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef serves wonderfully as a hearty meal on its own, but you can elevate it further with some sides or toppings. Consider serving this dish with:
- Garlic Bread: A perfect accompaniment that complements the creamy texture of the pasta.
- Fresh Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balance to your meal.
- Extra Cheese: Top each serving with additional shredded cheese for an indulgent finish.
Storage Tips
To keep your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef fresh for later enjoyment, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, as pasta tends to absorb moisture over time.
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers after it cools completely. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming on low heat on the stove or microwave.
Nutritional Information
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef offers a delightful balance between comfort food and nutrition. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from beef and cheese, along with carbohydrates from pasta for energy. While it is indulgent due to cream and cheese, consider using reduced-fat alternatives if you’re looking for lighter options without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Creamy Rotel Pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef if you prefer a leaner option or want to reduce calories. Ground turkey maintains similar cooking times and flavors while making the dish healthier. Just ensure that you season it well since turkey has a milder taste than beef.
How spicy is Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?
The spice level in Creamy Rotel Pasta largely depends on which type of Rotel tomatoes you choose. Original Rotel has mild heat due to green chilies, while their Zesty variety packs more spice. If you’re sensitive to heat but still want flavor, opt for mild diced tomatoes instead.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for cooking the pasta while keeping all other ingredients consistent.
What type of pasta works best?
For Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, short pasta shapes such as penne or rotini work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce better than long strands like spaghetti. However, feel free to experiment according to your preference; just adjust cooking times based on the type used!
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a deliciously comforting dish that combines tender pasta enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. With the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and creamy cheese, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare, it promises to become a family favorite, leaving everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel tomatoes
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes with juices; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Mix in cream cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, adding beef broth for desired consistency. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For extra spice, opt for spicy Rotel tomatoes or add jalapeños. Consider incorporating veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
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