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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

creamy rotel pasta with ground beef - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef and zesty Rotel tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: jalapeño slices for extra heat
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour in the undrained 10 oz can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Lower heat to medium. Add softened cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Add the drained pasta into the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy beef mixture until evenly coated.
  9. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or jalapeño slices if desired.
  10. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Stir continuously when melting cream cheese to prevent lumps. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen. Browning the beef with onions and garlic first enhances flavor. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, Rotel pasta, ground beef recipe, easy family dinner, cheesy pasta, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-rotel-pasta-with-ground-beef-easy-recipe-for-family-dinner/