Hey food lovers! Welcome to a deliciously creamy and slightly spicy pasta recipe that will satisfy all your cravings. Today, we’re diving into a comforting and flavor-packed dish, Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Introduction
Are you ready to indulge in the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a bit of spice? This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar is the ultimate comfort food, combining the heartiness of ground beef with the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Not only is this dish rich in flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.
A fun fact: The addition of Rotel tomatoes brings a unique Tex-Mex twist to the classic pasta dish. This recipe has become a favorite in many households, including mine, where it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners. Let me tell you, once you try it, you’ll understand why!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar, you’ll need:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Feel free to make substitutions if you need to! For example, you can swap out ground beef for ground turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option. Dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar to keep the creaminess while avoiding dairy.
How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar:
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package directions and cook until al dente, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and the onion softens, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Now, stir in the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the cream cheese to melt completely while the sauce slightly thickens, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheddar Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy goodness of this delicious Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar!
Helpful Tips
To make sure your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the sauce to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Extra Creaminess: If you want an even creamier sauce, feel free to add an extra splash of heavy cream.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use a can of diced tomatoes without green chilies, or reduce the chili powder.
Cooking Tips
To elevate your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar, try these additional cooking tips:
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up well in the sauce and retains a slightly firm bite.
- Best Skillet Choice: Use a large non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet to brown the beef and simmer the sauce evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish pairs well with a simple side salad of mixed greens or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. You can also serve this with a warm slice of garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a drink pairing, a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer works beautifully!
Nutritional Information
This delicious Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar is not only flavorful but also provides a balanced meal. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits per serving:
- Calories: 580 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Calcium: 25% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
This pasta is a great source of protein and calcium, thanks to the beef and cheese. However, be mindful of the sodium and fat content, especially if you’re watching your intake of these nutrients.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the pasta might lose some texture upon freezing, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and makes for a leaner option.
Related Recipes
Looking for more tasty pasta recipes to try? Check out these favorites:
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar is a surefire winner when it comes to comfort food with a kick. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this dish as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your experience or any fun variations you came up with in the comments below. I love hearing your feedback and tips!
Print
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar
Description
Hey food lovers! Welcome to a deliciously creamy and slightly spicy pasta recipe that will satisfy all your cravings. Today, we’re diving into a comforting and flavor-packed dish, Creamy Rotel Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Cheddar. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package directions and cook until al dente, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and the onion softens, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Now, stir in the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the cream cheese to melt completely while the sauce slightly thickens, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheddar Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the sauce to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Extra Creaminess: If you want an even creamier sauce, feel free to add an extra splash of heavy cream.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use a can of diced tomatoes without green chilies, or reduce the chili powder.
