Description

If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and quick dinner that feeds a crowd and satisfies cravings, this Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef is your go-to comfort dish. Packed with tender penne, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and the signature zest of Rotel tomatoes and chilies, it’s a one-pot winner. Perfect for easy dinners, food ideas when you’re short on time, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. This easy recipe is rich, family-friendly, and loaded with bold flavor.

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground beef (85/15)

1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.

2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in Rotel tomatoes (undrained) and simmer for 3–5 minutes.

4. Reduce heat, then stir in cream cheese until fully melted.

5. Add shredded cheddar cheese and a splash of pasta water to form a creamy sauce.

6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until fully coated. Add more water if needed.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t drain the Rotel—its juices build the base of the sauce.

Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melt and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 640
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 105mg