Description
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a deliciously comforting one-pan meal that combines savory browned beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and tender pasta cooked in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers rich flavors with a hint of heat and a cheesy finish, garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pantry
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Simmer with Rotel tomatoes: Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Add pasta: Mix the pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully, creating a creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- You can substitute penne or rotini with any other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells.
- Use low-fat heavy cream or half-and-half to reduce the calorie content slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be easily doubled or halved depending on your serving needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
