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Rotel Ground Beef Pasta

Rotel ground beef pasta - featured image
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A quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring lean ground beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and pasta simmered together for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or any small pasta
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside. (Alternatively, add dry pasta directly to the sauce later.)
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice) and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. If pasta was pre-cooked, fold it gently into the beef mixture. If not, add dry pasta directly to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
  6. If desired, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let melt for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or sour cream.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta before simmering to avoid mushiness. Drain excess fat from beef to prevent greasy sauce. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Simmer covered to cook pasta evenly. Adjust salt gradually as Rotel and broth add saltiness. Stir gently when adding pasta to avoid breaking it. Add extra broth if mixture gets too dry. Optional cheese topping adds creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel, ground beef, pasta, weeknight dinner, quick recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, spicy pasta

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/rotel-ground-beef-pasta-recipe-5-easy-weeknight-dinner-ideas/