Rotel Pasta – A Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
Rotel Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy pasta dish loaded with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. It’s quick to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta – Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics – Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Rotel – Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices), and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make it creamy – Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream until fully melted and combined.
- Combine with pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together.
- Melt the cheese – Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Serve & enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Want a thicker sauce? Add ½ cup of beef broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Make it spicier – Use extra chili flakes or spicy Rotel.
- Swap the protein – Try ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
- Go extra cheesy – Mix in some Monterey Jack or Velveeta for ultra creaminess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup!
Bold flavors – Cheesy, meaty, and spicy in every bite.
Great for meal prep – Stays delicious for days!
This Rotel Pasta is pure comfort food—quick, easy, and satisfying. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!