Description
Rotel Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that combines ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, two types of Velveeta cheese, shredded cheese, and a blend of seasonings. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a creamy, spicy kick with a Tex-Mex flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Pasta and Dairy
- Pasta noodles (penne, rotini, or your choice) – about 12 oz dry
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 8 oz Blanco Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Tomatoes
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (original or mild, depending on your spice preference, typically 10 oz)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or your preferred Cajun seasoning)
- 1 tsp Accent seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chuck until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the seasoned salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, and Accent seasoning (if using). Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and the half cup of heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt Cheeses: Gradually add the cubed Velveeta and Blanco Velveeta cheese to the skillet, stirring frequently until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta noodles to the skillet, stirring well so the pasta is coated evenly with the cheesy tomato sauce.
- Add Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the pasta and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Rotel Pasta hot for a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shape, but penne or rotini works best to hold the sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing either original or mild Rotel tomatoes and varying the Cajun seasoning amount.
- For a creamier dish, you can add a splash more heavy cream or milk.
- This dish reheats well and is great for leftovers.
- For a lighter version, swap ground chuck for lean ground turkey or beef.
