Looking for a delicious, comforting meal that comes together in a flash? This Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef recipe is your new weeknight hero! It’s incredibly quick, wonderfully easy, and packed with creamy, savory flavor.
Featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and the zesty kick of Rotel, this dish is perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic dinner in just 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
You’ll find countless reasons to make this creamy beef pasta a regular on your meal rotation. It’s designed to be straightforward and satisfying for everyone.
- Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for hectic schedules.
- Economical: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: A hearty, flavorful dish that even picky eaters will adore.
- Rich, Creamy, & Perfectly Seasoned: Each bite offers a delightful balance of spice and comfort.
- Great for Make-Ahead Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making lunch prep a breeze.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with various meats or vegetables to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite weeknight meal, a delightful Rotel pasta with ground beef.
- 225 g Pasta: Such as rigatoni, penne, or rotini, offering great texture to hold the sauce.
- 283 g Rotel (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies): Choose mild for less heat or original for a little kick.
- 450 g Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean to minimize excess fat.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that luxurious, creamy consistency.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning: Provides a fantastic blend of spices; ensure it’s non-spicy if preferred.
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor in the sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing your aromatics.
- ½ cup Onion (Chopped): Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
- 3 Garlic Cloves (Finely Chopped): Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning.
- Parsley (Finely Chopped): For a fresh garnish and pop of color.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your creamy Rotel ground beef pasta based on what you have or prefer.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like rotini, ziti, or cavatappi works well. Even long pasta like spaghetti can be broken.
- Rotel: If you prefer less spice, use plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of green chilies. For more heat, opt for “hot” Rotel.
- Ground Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce. A few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream can also add creaminess.
- Seasoning: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Garlic: Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or granules if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Instructions For Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef.
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Rotel pasta with ground beef.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and brown the meat thoroughly, cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. According to the USDA, cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C) ensures it is safe to eat.
- Stir in the entire can of Rotel (undrained), tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour the heavy cream into the sauce along with the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until everything is fully incorporated and the sauce begins to heat through.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the Rotel beef sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth.
- Finally, add the cooked, drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Check for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add another splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the pasta dish. Remove it from the heat and serve your comforting Rotel pasta with ground beef immediately. Enjoy with a side of homemade garlic bread and a fresh everyday salad!
Pro Tips for the Best Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Mastering this ground beef and Rotel dish is simple with these expert tips.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook your pasta until it has a slight bite, not mushy. This ensures the best texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is crucial! It helps thicken the sauce and makes it extra creamy and cohesive.
- Browning Beef: Don’t rush this step. Thoroughly browning the ground beef creates deep, savory flavor for the entire dish.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Sauté it for less than a minute until fragrant.
- Achieving Creaminess: Ensure your cream and cheese are at room temperature before adding. This helps them melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preference.
- Prevent Dry Pasta: If your Rotel ground beef pasta appears too thick or dry, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra pasta water.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make this creamy beef and Rotel pasta your own with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Add steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an elevated touch.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: This Rotel pasta with ground beef recipe is not recommended for freezing due to the heavy cream, which can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Variations
- Ground Meat: Experiment with spicy Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey for different flavors.
- Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Spice Level: Boost the heat by adding more Rotel, a diced fresh jalapeño, or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- One-Pot Method: Cook the pasta directly in the skillet after the beef and sauce are ready, adding extra liquid as needed.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information for Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is an estimate.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 148 mg |
| Sodium | 385 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 13 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. These estimations focus on core components, providing insights into calories, carbs, and protein while noting healthy fiber and lower sugar content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Use “hot” Rotel, add extra Cajun seasoning, or stir in some red pepper flakes for more heat.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, thaw it completely first, then brown it as directed. Ensure it’s fully cooked before proceeding with the sauce.
Is this a one-pot recipe?
The current recipe uses two pots. However, you can adapt it by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth, though it may take slightly longer.
Conclusion
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is more than just a meal; it’s a time-saving solution for busy weeknights, delivering ultimate comfort and flavor in one skillet. Its quick preparation, simple ingredients, and rich taste make it a staple for any home cook, especially beginners.
We encourage you to try this easy ground beef and Rotel recipe soon. Don’t forget to share your experience and thoughts below!
Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté 3–5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in Rotel, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir until heated through and well combined.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve with parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cajun seasoning should be checked for spice level.
- Cream can be swapped for half-and-half for a lighter version.
1 thought on “Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef (30-Minute Dinner!)”