If you’re looking for a bold twist on a weeknight classic, Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is about to become your new best friend. This dish is outrageously comforting, with a savory, cheesy sauce studded with zesty tomatoes and green chilies, all tangled up with tender macaroni and hearty ground beef. It’s rich, flavorful, and brings just enough spice to keep things exciting without overwhelming the palate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself after a long day, this is the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with happy aromas and brings everyone running to the table.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, but each one plays a crucial role in building big flavors and luscious texture. Let’s break down what makes them special—no mysterious pantry items here, just honest, tasty goodness!

Elbow macaroni: These little tubes are perfect for grabbing onto all that creamy sauce, making every bite satisfyingly cheesy.
Ground beef: Lean ground beef adds richness and transforms the pasta into a true main event.
Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): This one-can wonder brings the essential zest and a subtle kick—don’t substitute if you want that signature flavor!
Cream cheese: An 8-ounce block brings irresistible creaminess and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts in for extra gooeyness and a punch of flavor.
Beef broth: It boosts the beefy flavor and ensures your sauce is silky, not stodgy.
Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without fussing with fresh garlic—ideal for quick weeknight cooking.
Onion powder: Lends sweet-savory background notes that round out the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; add to-taste so your dish sings.
Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a touch of Mediterranean richness.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional): A sprinkle brings color and a fresh flavor burst at the very end—don’t skip if you love a herby finish!

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—you want them with a hint of bite, since they’ll soak up even more flavor once tossed with the savory sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to dive straight into the lusciousness you’re about to create.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Return the empty pot to the stove and warm up two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it brown evenly—this is where you build the deep, meaty flavor that’s the backbone of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce rich, not greasy.

Step 3: Add Your Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, letting those warm, fragrant spices bloom and mingle with the beef for about a minute. This quick step really wakes up the flavor of the whole dish.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Rotel Sauce

Pour in the can of Rotel—tomatoes, chiles, and all—along with cubes of softened cream cheese and the beef broth. Stir gently but thoroughly as the cream cheese melts; soon you’ll see the sauce turn irresistibly creamy and flecked with colorful peppers. Take your time here: once the mixture is smooth, your sauce is ready for the grand finale.

Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese

Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and toss so all the noodles get coated in sauce. Now, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted into pure golden goodness. Every noodle should be slicked with that creamy, cheesy sauce—if you see some stretching cheese, you’re doing it right!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once everything is dreamy and well mixed, scoop your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef into bowls or onto plates. If you love a fresh finish, shower the top with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve while piping hot for the ultimate comfort food moment.

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Garnishes

A good garnish brings the flavors together and makes your meal feel that much more special. For Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, a fresh sprinkle of cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness. A little extra cheddar on top never hurt either—sometimes, more cheese truly is the answer!

Side Dishes

This vibrant, creamy pasta stands tall on its own, but a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a platter of roasted veggies adds freshness and rounds out the meal. Want something bread-y to help grab every last bit of sauce? Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are easy and always welcome on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef look restaurant-worthy by serving it in generous bowls, topped with swirls of creamy sauce and bright herbs. Or, for a fun twist, spoon it into individual ramekins and broil with a little extra cheese on top for a bubbly, slightly crispy finish—your guests will be wowed by both the taste and the homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a treat with this dish! Transfer any extra Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to three days—just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature first to keep the sauce at its creamiest.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pasta, though remember that the cheese sauce may thicken slightly when reheated. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leave a little space for expansion, and label with the date. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months, so you can satisfy that comfort food craving in a flash anytime!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened. For individual servings, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between, until piping hot. Either way, the flavor just gets better!

FAQs

Can I substitute another pasta shape for elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, small shapes like penne, rotini, or shells all soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Choose what you love or already have in your pantry.

Is this dish spicy?

The Rotel adds a gentle warmth rather than a blaze of heat. If you prefer things milder, you can use mild Rotel or swap in regular canned diced tomatoes for a tamer version. If you love a little fire, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper with the seasonings!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are both delicious options and make this dish a tad lighter. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, as leaner meats can use a bit extra salt and pepper to maximize flavor.

Can I make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef in advance?

Definitely! The flavors deepen as it sits, so making it a day ahead and reheating gently works well. If preparing ahead for a party, wait to add the garnishes until just before serving for the best presentation.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to set it out ahead of time, just cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave in short 10-second bursts until soft—it’ll blend easily into the sauce that way, giving you that perfect, luscious finish.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef a spot on your dinner table soon. With its irresistible blend of creamy cheese, hearty beef, and tangy tomatoes, it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and a splash of fun any night of the week. You may just find yourself coming back for seconds—and sharing the recipe with every friend who asks for it!

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 9 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
Make Sauce: Add Rotel, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Return pasta to the pot. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted and everything is well coated.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

This dish can be customized with additional seasonings or vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel instead of the original.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American