30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner!

30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner! 🍝🔥✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, this 30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta with ground beef is the perfect solution. Combining tender pasta, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and savory ground beef in a creamy sauce, this dish delivers comfort and convenience in every bite. It’s an ideal quick ground beef dinner that the entire family will love. Whether you’re busy after work or need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

2. Ingredients for the Easy Rotel Pasta Recipe

  • 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) for topping
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Creamy Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder if desired.

Step 4: Add Rotel Tomatoes

Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Pour in the Cream

Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream or evaporated milk to the skillet. Stir well and simmer until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Divide the pasta among bowls, top with shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Optional: serve with a side of healthy smoothies or a crisp salad.

4. Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. To maintain the creamy texture, add a splash of milk or water when reheating.

5. Serving Suggestions for the Creamy Rotel Pasta

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For added flavor and crunch, sprinkle extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions on top. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

6. FAQs about the 30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this ground beef Rotel pasta. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I’m dairy-free?

Omit the heavy cream and replace it with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, this easy Rotel pasta recipe takes approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

8. Final Tips for the Perfect Creamy Rotel Pasta

Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or more green chilies. Using freshly shredded cheese enhances flavor, but pre-shredded works just fine. This dish is flexible: add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition!

9. Conclusion

In just half an hour, you can prepare a comforting, satisfying 30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta that’s bursting with smoky chili flavor and creamy goodness. It’s an easy, quick, and versatile dinner that perfectly fits into your busy lifestyle. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!

Print
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A steaming plate of creamy Rotel pasta topped with seasoned ground beef, garnished with chopped cilantro and shredded cheese. The pasta is coated in a rich, creamy sauce with visible bits of diced tomatoes and melted cheese, served on a rustic white plate with a fork resting beside it. The vibrant red and green of the tomatoes and herbs contrast beautifully with the smooth, creamy pasta.

30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner!

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Enjoy a quick and delicious 30-Minute Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef, the perfect weeknight dinner. This flavorful recipe combines tender pasta, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and savory ground beef in a creamy sauce, ready in just 30 minutes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) for topping
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder if desired.
  4. Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream or evaporated milk to the skillet. Stir well and simmer until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
  7. Divide the pasta among bowls, top with shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Optional: serve with a side of healthy smoothies or a crisp salad.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. To maintain the creamy texture, add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
  • Enhance flavor with additional shredded cheese or chopped green onions. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy, Ground Beef

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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