If there’s one dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. A winning combination of tender elbow macaroni, flavorful ground beef, and creamy, spicy cheese sauce makes this pasta an instant favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Bright, punchy flavors from Rotel tomatoes and a dreamy, velvety texture bring hearty satisfaction in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just hungry for something delicious, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef comes together with just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient adds its own charm, working in harmony to build layers of flavor and creamy richness you’ll crave again and again.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): This classic pasta shape holds onto the sauce perfectly for maximum saucy bites.
Ground beef (1 pound): Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of rich flavor and tenderness.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 ounces Rotel): The secret ingredient! Rotel brings a spicy, tangy kick and bright color.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Melts into a luscious, creamy base that ties all the ingredients together.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar adds boldness and melts into gooey goodness.
Beef broth (1 cup): Infuses the sauce with savory depth and keeps it perfectly saucy.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of garlic powder wakes up all the other flavors without any chopping needed.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, mellow onion flavor that rounds out the sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Adjust to your liking for perfect balance.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Just enough for browning the beef and boosting richness.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkling adds color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Once it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but still with a little bite—drain it thoroughly and set aside. This step sets the foundation for soft, sauce-loving noodles later!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

After draining the pasta, use the same pot to heat up the olive oil over medium heat—this keeps everything simple and you’ll love how the flavors build in one pot. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it sizzles away. Cook until the beef is beautifully browned, then carefully drain off any excess fat so your dish stays creamy, not greasy.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Now for the flavor boosters! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and your desired amount of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let the seasonings cook for about a minute. This quick step releases the fragrant aromas and ensures every bite of beef tastes irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the star of the show: your can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Add the softened cream cheese and beef broth as well. Stir gently over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a silky, slightly spicy sauce flecked with tomatoes and chilies. This is where Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef starts to look (and smell) incredible!

Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheese

Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and sprinkle in all that glorious shredded cheddar. Stir patiently until the cheese is melted and every inch of pasta is coated in thick, creamy sauce. The cheddar adds a golden hue and seriously ups the comfort food factor.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon generous helpings into bowls, then shower with fresh cilantro or parsley, if you like a pop of green and a little herbal freshness. The result is a bubbling, aromatic pot of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef ready to make your dinnertime dreams come true.

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley provides a burst of color and crisp flavor—just what you need to balance out the creamy richness. A sprinkle of extra cheddar on top right before serving also never hurts, especially if you like things extra cheesy. For a festive touch, try topping with sliced jalapeños or even green onions.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty all on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad, sautéed veggies, or crusty garlic bread really makes it a complete meal. Something light and crisp, like a cucumber and tomato salad, plays beautifully against the saucy pasta, while steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add welcome color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for guests or just want to jazz up dinnertime, serve it in individual ramekins topped with a little crunchy breadcrumb mixture before broiling for a minute or two. Or, spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake until bubbling for a fun stuffed veggie twist. Plating in colorful bowls with plenty of fresh herbs can turn any weeknight meal into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen a bit as they rest, making the leftovers just as crave-worthy as day one.

Freezing

Planning ahead? This pasta is freezer-friendly! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, so the sauce remains smooth when reheated.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave does the trick too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring often to keep the texture luscious and even.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish as written, cool completely, and store in the fridge up to 3 days. For ultimate creaminess, reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed before serving.

Is there a substitute for Rotel if I can’t find it?

If you can’t get Rotel, use a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a small can of chopped green chilies. Adjust the amount of chilies to taste for your perfect level of heat.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Definitely—you can swap elbow macaroni for shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep the cooking time consistent so the pasta is al dente and won’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.

How spicy is Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?

The Rotel brand’s tomatoes with green chilies give a mild to medium heat. If you prefer less spice, look for the “mild” Rotel, or add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat. For more kick, you can use “hot” Rotel or add extra chilies.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get that fabulous creamy, spicy flavor with a vegetarian twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef that brings people together—its irresistible combination of creaminess, spice, and comfort is pure dinner magic. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes everyone’s new favorite at your table!

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines the heat of Rotel tomatoes with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
Make Sauce: Add Rotel, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Return pasta to the pot. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted and everything is well coated.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American