Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

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Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table fast. Imagine a skillet full of tender penne pasta smothered in a velvety, zesty cheese sauce infused with the bold kick of Rotel tomatoes. Add in savory ground beef and melty cheddar, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for hectic weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need something delicious and easy.

This one-pot wonder isn’t just satisfying—it’s ridiculously simple to whip up. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or spice-loving adults, this pasta dish adapts effortlessly to your kitchen vibe. It’s creamy, hearty, and just spicy enough to make things interesting.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work beautifully in this dish. Their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving every bite full flavor. Penne is the go-to for this version—it cooks quickly, soaks up the sauce well, and makes every forkful feel just right.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Ground Beef – The savory, meaty base of the recipe that balances the creamy and spicy elements.

Rotel Tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) – Adds boldness and a mild kick that defines the dish’s signature flavor.

Penne Pasta – A sturdy, sauce-hugging pasta that cooks evenly and holds its shape.

Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce to create that iconic creamy texture.

Cream Cheese – Brings richness and an ultra-smooth consistency to the dish.

Garlic & Onion Powder – Essential spices that layer in flavor without overpowering.

Salt & Pepper – Simple but important to balance all the flavors.

Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of freshness and color for serving.

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How To Make the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Rotel

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Then pour in the Rotel tomatoes (do not drain). Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted and incorporated. This will thicken the sauce and give it a creamy texture.

Step 5: Stir in Cheddar and Pasta

Lower the heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the cheesy, beefy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve hot. Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet. It pairs great with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. For a little twist, top with crushed tortilla chips or a drizzle of hot sauce.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and warm over medium heat until creamy again. This pasta also freezes well—just thaw overnight and reheat gently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and beef mixture a day in advance. Just store them separately and combine when ready to reheat and serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Rotel tomatoes, but it’s not overpowering. You can always use the mild version of Rotel or add extra spice to taste.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Definitely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives all work well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can swap cream cheese with sour cream or heavy cream, but the texture will be slightly different—still delicious though!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course. Any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work beautifully.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If it thickens too much while simmering or reheating, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into comforting pasta dishes like this one, you’ll probably fall in love with these other hearty favorites:

• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

For even more cozy meals and creative spins, follow along on my Pinterest board where I share new ideas every week: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice? Try a different cheese? Or swap in turkey?

I love seeing how you customize these meals. Your twists and tweaks help us all cook better together—so don’t be shy!

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