Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Perfection
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory beef, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals, offering a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, extra cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes (undrained!), cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This might take a few minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, or extra cheese.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly grated cheddar cheese. To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil after draining. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or different types of cheese.