How Do You Make Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?

Making easy creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a breeze, and this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Start by boiling rotini pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with onions, jalapeños, and a blend of spices like Tony’s Creole Seasoning, garlic powder, and cumin. In the same pan, create a creamy sauce by melting Velveeta and cream cheese with heavy cream, then stir in Rotel tomatoes and Colby Jack cheese. Combine the beef and pasta with the sauce, adjust with pasta water for consistency, and serve hot. The entire process takes just 40 minutes, making it perfect for quick dinner ideas on busy nights.

Can You Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese is a star ingredient in this creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef recipe! The ½ block of cream cheese adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with Velveeta and Colby Jack, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every spiral of rotini. Simply cube the cream cheese and melt it with the heavy cream and Velveeta over low heat, stirring until smooth. This ensures a luscious texture that elevates the dish to restaurant quality. If you love cream cheese, you can even add an extra ounce for an even richer flavor.

How Do You Make Rotel Pasta Without Meat?

For a delicious Rotel pasta without meat , you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian-friendly. Swap the ground beef for hearty vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté the veggies in olive oil with the same seasonings (Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.) to mimic the savory depth of the original dish. You can also add a cup of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and texture. Follow the same steps for the creamy sauce, using Rotel tomatoes, Velveeta, cream cheese, and Colby Jack. The result is a satisfying, meat-free version that’s just as creamy and flavorful.

Easy Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: 40-Minute Comfort Food Recipe

Description

Discover an easy creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef recipe! Ready in 40 minutes, this cheesy, spicy comfort food is perfect for weeknights

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 box Rotini pasta
1/2 block cream cheese
8 oz Velveeta cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Colby Jack cheese
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
Tony’s Creole Seasoning (to taste)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1/3 cup pasta water
1/4 tsp cumin
Optional: diced onions, jalapeño, green

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1/2 box of rotini pasta according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until nearly cooked through (5-7 minutes). Add diced onions and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Season the beef with Tony’s Creole Seasoning, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper (to taste). Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle bubble over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low, add 1/2 block cream cheese (cubed) and 8 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed). Cover and let melt for 3-4 minutes, stirring until smooth.
Stir in 1 can Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and 1 cup Colby Jack cheese. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Return the seasoned ground beef to the skillet, mixing to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked rotini pasta and toss until fully coated, using reserved pasta water (1 tbsp at a time) to adjust sauce consistency.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving