Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is a comforting, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender pasta simmered in a rich blend of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, ground beef, and creamy cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines savory spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and a creamy sauce that melds beautifully with penne or rotini pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Canned Goods
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works well)
Spices & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, which softens the onion and develops flavor.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using, ensuring the beef is well seasoned.
- Add Rotel Tomatoes: Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly for a creamy sauce base.
- Add Pasta: Add the pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid to allow even cooking.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, enriching the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. For an extra spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color to the dish.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by altering the amount of green chilies and red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but this may reduce creaminess.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
