Description

This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features ground beef seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper, blended with cream cheese and sharp cheddar for a rich, cheesy finish. Garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, this dish balances heat and creaminess for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound penne pasta

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Tomatoes

1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garnish (Optional)

2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan if needed.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the cooked beef. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the spices meld.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained. Add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a creamy sauce with the tomatoes and beef.
Combine with Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef and tomato sauce.
Melt the Cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, ensuring a smooth, cheesy texture throughout.
Serve: Dish out the creamy Rotel pasta and ground beef while hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh herbal note, if desired.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and improve the nutritional profile.
Rotel tomatoes add a spicy kick; if you prefer less heat, choose mild diced tomatoes or adjust according to taste.
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding.
Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro enhances the flavor and presentation.
Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.