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Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

A heartwarming and delicious creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni The robust base for this creamy dish; substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.
For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Adds a hearty protein boost; can be replaced with ground turkey or a plant-based option.
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Helps brown the meat and adds richness; can swap for canola oil if desired.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances flavor; fresh minced garlic provides a stronger taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Offers essential savory depth; replace with fresh onion for texture.
  • 1 tsp Salt Key for balancing flavors; adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Key for balancing flavors; adjust according to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 10 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) Adds zest and moisture; plain diced tomatoes can substitute.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Delivers rich creaminess; consider sour cream for a tangy alternative.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Enriches the sauce; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese The final touch for creaminess; substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • pot
  • spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the diced Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Return the cooked macaroni to the pot, add shredded cheddar cheese, and stir for 2-3 minutes until melted.
  6. Dish the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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