Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef
Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is the ultimate one-pot comfort food—packed with savory beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 590 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
- 1 can Rotel 10 oz, original or spicy
- 8 oz pasta elbow, penne, or rotini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Diced onions or bell peppers
- Hot sauce or chili flakes
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
While beef is cooking, boil pasta in a separate pot until al dente. Drain but do not rinse.
Add Rotel and garlic powder to the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir to combine.
Lower the heat and add cream cheese and milk. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes creamy.
Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add optional garnishes if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
For extra creaminess, add more cream cheese or a splash of cream when reheating.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier kick.
This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—great for meal prep.
Add veggies like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to bulk it up. Keyword creamy beef pasta, easy ground beef dinner, rotel pasta