Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Cooking can be a comforting and rewarding experience, especially when you whip up a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef embodies that essence perfectly. The combination of creamy cheese, zesty tomatoes, and hearty beef creates a flavorful embrace that many families cherish.

This dish often reminds me of family gatherings where everyone digs in, sharing laughter and stories over a steaming bowl of pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The joyful fusion of flavors transforms simple ingredients into something special, reflecting the magic of home cooking.

The best part? This recipe invites personalization. You can adjust spice levels or add extra veggies, making it not just delicious but also a canvas for creativity. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delectable journey of creating Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef that promises to tantalize taste buds and foster connection.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Fundamentals

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef combines classic comfort food elements into a satisfying meal. The elbow macaroni provides a delightful texture, while the ground beef offers a rich flavor that complements the creamy sauce. The diced tomatoes with green chilies introduce a mild kick, enhancing the overall taste experience.

This dish showcases fundamental techniques of cooking that every home chef should master. Cooking pasta until it’s al dente ensures the dish doesn’t become overly mushy. Browning the beef helps develop appealing flavors, especially when infused with seasonings. These techniques create a robust foundation for a comforting meal, perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests.

Preparation/setup

Begin by assembling all your ingredients. The ease of preparation makes this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Gather 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, 1 pound of ground beef, a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), and an 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese.

You will also need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of beef broth, and a teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste, along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. For a finishing touch, fresh cilantro or parsley offers a vibrant garnish. Organize your kitchen space, making it easy to access everything as you cook.

Ingredients

While the recipe focuses on the harmonious blend of ingredients, here’s a straightforward list for easy reference.

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

3. Add Seasonings: Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, the softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of beef broth to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese melts and everything is well combined. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth.

5. Combine and Heat: Fold in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through.

6. Serve and Garnish: Dish out the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Enjoy your dish hot.

Mastering Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Technique

Mastering the art of cooking Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef comes down to a few essential techniques. Cooking the macaroni correctly is crucial. Test it a minute or two before reaching the package’s recommended time for the perfect al dente texture.

Browning the beef properly adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. Turn the heat to medium-high and avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even browning. Watch for that beautiful golden color, which indicates that the meat has caramelized, adding richness to your creamy sauce.

Tips/tricks

As you prepare this delicious meal, consider these handy tips. Prepping all ingredients before starting makes the cooking process smoother. Once you start cooking, you’ll want to move quickly, so having everything ready saves time.

Stir the cream cheese into the sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier variety of Rotel. You can also incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or even corn for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Perfecting Results with Creamy Rotel Pasta

Perfecting results

To achieve the best version of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, adjust the broth quantity to suit your desired creaminess. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less broth. Alternatively, for a lighter dish, add more broth to achieve the perfect consistency.

Ensure you let the pasta absorb the flavors in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This time allows the macaroni to soak in the creamy goodness, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Troubleshooting/variations

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more beef broth or even a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency. If the dish feels too salty after adding seasonings, balance it out by incorporating a little more cream cheese or a splash of broth.

Variations can also bring new life to this classic recipe. Swap the elbow macaroni for another pasta shape. Rotini or farfalle work wonderfully, adding a fun twist to presentation while retaining the delightful taste.

Serving and Storing Creamy Rotel Pasta

Serving/presentation

Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta in vibrant bowls, garnished with fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds an appealing touch, inviting everyone to dig in right away.

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that pleases a crowd. The creamy richness of the pasta complements lighter sides, offering a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

Pairings/storage

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef provides hearty satisfaction on its own. However, if you want to complement it further, think about serving it with a crisp green salad or garlic toast. These sides enhance the dining experience without overshadowing the pasta’s delicious flavor.

When it comes to storage, this dish holds up well as leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth as needed to revive its creamy texture.

Enjoy the delightful flavors that come together in this comforting meal, guaranteed to bring joy to your dining table. Each bite of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef creates a flavorful experience that transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying feast, reminding everyone of the joy and connection food can bring.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Beef

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Description

A comforting dish that combines creamy cheese, zesty tomatoes, and hearty beef for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and is well combined.
5. Fold in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier Rotel variety. Optionally incorporate bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: pasta, ground beef, creamy, quick dinner, family recipe