The pasta gets coated in a creamy sauce with just the right kick from Rotel, while the beef makes it hearty and filling. Each bite is warm, cheesy, and a little spicy.
I cooked this Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef on a busy night, and it came together so fast. The smell of tomatoes, cheese, and beef bubbling on the stove made it an instant favorite.
If you want a quick dinner that feels cozy and full of flavor, this recipe is for you. Let’s stir it all together and make a skillet that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults both love this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably have at home.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less dishes to wash means more time to enjoy dinner with your family.
- Budget Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6 people as a main dish. Want to feed more people? Double the recipe and use a bigger pot.
Difficulty: Super easy! Perfect for beginners and busy parents who need dinner on the table fast.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Colander for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef
This hearty pasta dish uses simple ingredients that work together to create amazing flavor. The Rotel tomatoes add just the right amount of spice, while the heavy cream and cheese make everything rich and creamy.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
For the Pasta:
- Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly
- Water: For cooking the pasta until tender
- Salt: To season the pasta water
For the Beef Sauce:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture
- Olive Oil: For cooking the beef without sticking
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel): This gives the dish its signature flavor and gentle heat
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor
Seasonings:
- Taco Seasoning: Adds warm, spicy flavors that pair perfectly with the Rotel
- Garlic Powder: For savory depth
- Onion Powder: Adds sweet, aromatic flavor
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
Variations for Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef
- Add Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition and color.
- Try Different Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
- Make It Spicier: Add jalapeños or use hot Rotel instead of the regular version.
- Use Different Pasta: Penne, shells, or elbow macaroni work great too.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
How to Make Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until tender. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the Beef
Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Rotel
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheese and Pasta
Remove the pot from heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta back to the pot and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste the pasta and add more salt, pepper, or seasonings if needed.
How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef
This hearty pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce
- Side Salad: A simple green salad balances the richness of the pasta
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions
- With Sour Cream: Add a dollop on top for extra creaminess
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle on top for a fun crunch
Storing Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
- Freezing: This pasta freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook just until tender since it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Drain the Beef: If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, drain some of it before adding seasonings.
- Fresh Cheese Works Best: Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Low Heat for Cheese: Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from getting stringy.
- Adjust the Heat: Use mild or hot Rotel depending on your family’s spice preference.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 280mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on 6 servings.
PrintEasy Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta / Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Water for cooking pasta
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add rotini and cook according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
- Season: Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to beef. Stir and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rotel: Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain). Stir and simmer 3-4 minutes.
- Make Creamy: Add heavy cream and stir well. Simmer gently 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta back to pot and toss until well coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef FAQs
A: Yes! Penne, shells, or elbow macaroni work great. Just cook according to package directions.
A: This pasta is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
A: It has a mild heat from the Rotel. Use mild Rotel for less spice or hot Rotel for more kick.
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well. You might want to add a bit more seasoning for flavor.
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta Beef brings together all the flavors your family loves in one simple, satisfying dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, this recipe delivers every time.
The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. In just 30 minutes, you can have a homemade meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular part of your dinner rotation!
