A Comfort Food You Can Whip Up in No Time

Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of creamy pasta mingling with spicy tomatoes and seasoned ground beef. Who could resist that? This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a top-tier one-pan wonder that combines ease and flavor, making it perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners. Think quick prep, minimal cleanup, and zero fuss — just pure comfort in a bowl!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should this dish be your new weeknight go-to?

Time-Saver: You’ll have dinner on the table in a jiffy, so there’s more time for Netflix and chill… or whatever floats your boat!
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, this meal keeps your wallet as happy as your taste buds.
Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids (and adults!), so you’ll earn gold stars all around without the dinner table drama. Who doesn’t love a meal everyone enjoys?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to get your creamy pasta dish ready in no time:

Boil the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Season It Up: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well!
Add Rotel & Cream Cheese: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and add cream cheese. Stir until creamy and combined.
Pour in Beef Broth: Add the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
Cheddar Time: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and mix until melted and gooey.

How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Let’s break down the magic! Start by cooking your pasta. While it’s bubbling away, brown the ground beef in a skillet until it’s a beautiful shade of brown. Next, toss in your spices. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! Stir in the Rotel and cream cheese until it’s all smooth and dreamy. Add in the beef broth and let it mingle. Finally, mix in that glorious pasta and top it all off with cheddar cheese. Voila! Dinner is served!

How to Serve Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Bring a colorful splash to your dinner table by serving this creamy goodness in vibrant bowls, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Pair with a crusty garlic bread for that extra crunch! The sizzling aroma will have everyone racing to the table as they dive into cheesy bliss.

How to Store Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This dish keeps well! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, just add a splash of broth or water to bring back that creamy texture. Easy peasy!

Tips to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Here are a few insider tricks to up your pasta game:

Switch It Up: Use any ground meat you prefer for a different flavor profile.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or spinach to sneak in a bit of healthy goodness!
Layer of Flavor: Mix in a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy!

Variation

Want to jazz things up? Try making it vegan by swapping ground beef for lentils or chickpeas. To keep it dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Endless possibilities await!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready for a cozy meal.

What can I use in place of cream cheese?
Sour cream or even a vegan cream alternative would work beautifully — just adjust according to taste!

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!