Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Quick Cozy Nights is a go-to dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal features elbow macaroni enveloped in a delightful sauce made from ground beef, cream cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups Water
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 can Rotel Tomatoes (diced with green chilies)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (or Vegetable Broth)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp Pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Mozzarella)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Step 2: Add in the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Step 5: Stir in the can of Rotel tomatoes along with their juices.
- Step 6: Add softened cream cheese and beef broth to the pot; mix well until combined.
- Step 7: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper while stirring continuously until smooth.
- Step 8: Add cooked elbow macaroni into the meat sauce mixture.
- Step 9: Stir until all pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Step 10: Top with shredded cheddar cheese while still warm.
- Step 11: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. For a smoother sauce, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before adding. You can customize the heat by using mild Rotel varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, ground beef, rotel, comfort food, one-pot meal, quick dinner, elbow macaroni