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+ servings

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

550kcal
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 30 minutes
A delightful blend of cheesy pasta and spicy Rotel tomatoes, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Servings 4 servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients

Pasta and Proteins
  • 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.
Oils and Seasonings
  • 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.
Main Ingredients
  • 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.

Method

Cooking Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Browning the Beef
  1. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Adding Seasonings
  1. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine the flavors.
Incorporating Tomatoes
  1. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the pot, stirring well.
Making it Creamy
  1. Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
Combining with Pasta
  1. Pour in the beef broth and stir to incorporate. Return the drained pasta to the pot, mixing everything together until well combined.
Finishing Touch
  1. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously creamy Rotel pasta!

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories550kcalCarbohydrates40gProtein30gFat25gSaturated Fat10gSodium700mgFiber3gSugar5g

Notes

For a lighter dish, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option. Mix in some cooked veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. For extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.

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