There’s a certain joy that comes with creating a meal that comforts the soul, and my Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the answer to those evenings when time is tight but flavor can’t be compromised. I discovered this recipe on one of those busy nights when fast food seemed like my only option, but I longed for something homemade and hearty.
In just 30 minutes, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into a creamy, slightly spicy delight that the whole family will love. The rich sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with mouthwatering flavor. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe effortlessly delivers comfort that feels special. With a blend of ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Let’s dive into this delicious weeknight lifesaver!
Why is Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef a must-try?
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is designed to be quick and straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy Indulgence: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that envelops each pasta piece, enhancing comfort food satisfaction.
Spicy Kick: With the addition of RO*TEL tomatoes and Cajun seasoning, every bite delivers a delightful level of heat, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.
Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, turning even the most mundane dinner into an exciting family feast.
Versatile Options: Don’t hesitate to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers for extra nutrition—a little creativity goes a long way!
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors only get better as it sits, making this delicious recipe ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as tomorrow’s lunch. Explore more meal prep ideas with our guide on easy meal planning.
Ingredients for Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
• Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting dish!
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta – Barilla penne is recommended for better sauce adhesion.
For the Sauce
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies – RO*TEL Original provides a tangy flavor and heat.
- 1 1/4 cup heavy cream – Creates a velvety sauce; can swap with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese – Adds creaminess and depth; use grated for best results.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – Deepens the tomato flavor; can substitute with more diced tomatoes if needed.
- 1.5 tbsp cajun seasoning – Enhances flavor with a spicy kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
For the Protein
- 18 oz ground beef – Ideal fat content is 80/20 or 85/15 for a juicy flavor.
For the Aromatics
- 1/2 cup onion – Finely diced for quicker sautéing and a flavorful base.
- 3 garlic cloves – Minced to release wonderful aromatic qualities.
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Perfect for sautéing; any mild oil will work if you don’t have olive oil.
For Finishing Touches
- Salt & pepper – Season to taste to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional for an extra heat kick; feel free to omit if desired.
- Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Get ready to indulge in a creamy, slightly spicy bowl of goodness that brings the family together!
How to Make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Prepare Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. This will set you up for a smooth cooking process and maximize flavor.
Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the pasta, and cook until tender yet slightly firm, about 9-11 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced onions. Sauté until they become soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown Ground Beef: Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Ensure it’s broken into small pieces for even cooking!
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to meld with the beef and onion mixture for a rich flavor enhancement.
Mix in Diced Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, add the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
Combine Cream and Pasta: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Gently simmer for 1-2 minutes to create a luscious sauce.
Add Cheese: Take the skillet off heat and mix in the parmesan cheese until melted and fully integrated into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with more pasta water as needed.
Toss Pasta: Combine the drained pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing it well to ensure every noodle is lovingly coated with the delicious mixture.
Serve: Dish the pasta into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to please!
Optional: Sprinkle with extra parmesan for a delightful finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Rotel Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making each bite even more flavorful.
Freezer: This Creamy Rotel Pasta freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, allowing for convenient meals later.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Stir gently until warmed through.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the pasta out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Creamy Rotel Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Beef Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. It’s just as flavorful and still wonderfully satisfying.
Creamy Twist: For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, ensuring a rich yet lighter dish.
Veggie Boost: Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or fresh spinach to amp up nutrition and enhance flavors. More colors make for a more inviting meal!
Cheesy Goodness: Mix in different cheeses such as pepper jack for an added kick, or cheddar for a classic twist that melts beautifully into the sauce.
Spicy Level: Adjust the heat level by swirling in hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes, making it perfect for those who can handle the heat!
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme at the end of cooking for a delightful herbal freshness that brightens the dish.
Pasta Play: Experiment with different pasta shapes—try fusilli or farfalle for new textures that hold sauce in unique ways. Each shape adds its own fun spin to mealtime.
Topping Options: Finish with breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping contrast, giving your creamy dish a delightful twist in texture.
Embrace the joy of customizing this hearty meal, and make it your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the beef mixture—including the sautéed onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes—up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the mixture, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it slowly on the stovetop, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan, and combine with freshly cooked pasta. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the dish just as delicious as when freshly made. For best results, avoid cooking the pasta ahead of time to maintain its perfect texture. Enjoy a quick, satisfying meal on those busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?
When planning a delightful meal, it’s all about balancing flavors and textures to complement your main dish.
Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery exterior of garlic bread is irresistible and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, providing a tasty contrast.
Crispy Side Salad: A fresh, colorful salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette brings brightness, cutting through the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add depth and nutrition, harmonizing with the pasta’s flavors while introducing a smoky sweetness.
Fried Green Tomatoes: These Southern classics provide a crispy, tangy note that adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor, making each bite more exciting.
Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite and creamy texture that mirrors the pasta’s indulgence, balancing richness with brightness.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: Keep it cool and refreshing with a glass of sweet iced tea or zesty lemonade to cleanse your palate between bites.
Perfectly pairing these options with your Creamy Rotel Pasta will elevate your dining experience and leave everyone satisfied!
Expert Tips for Creamy Rotel Pasta
Pasta Perfection: Avoid overcooking the pasta; aim for al dente since it continues to cook in the sauce. This ensures a delightful texture in your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef.
Grease Control: Drain excess grease from the ground beef after browning. This prevents a greasy sauce that can mask the dish’s creamy goodness.
Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer properly—it brings out deep, rich flavors. If you rush this step, you may miss the delightful taste it offers.
Cheese Addition: Always stir in parmesan cheese off the heat. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully.
Adjusting Spice: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and gradually increase it to suit your family’s taste.
Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and improve overnight, making next-day meals even more satisfying!
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing tomatoes, make sure to pick cans that are free of dents and rust. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, look for tomatoes with firm skin and no dark spots. The RO*TEL Original diced tomatoes with green chilies are recommended for that perfect blend of texture and flavor—just check the label to ensure they’re good quality!
How should I store leftovers of Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?
To keep your delicious leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even tastier the next day. If you find yourself with extra portions, I often recommend freezing them!
Can I freeze Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef?
Certainly! This dish is freezer-friendly. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore that creamy texture.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Very! If you find the sauce is thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water is a great way to revive the sauce without losing flavor!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! If you or anyone you’re serving has dietary allergies, be sure to check the labels on your ingredients. The pasta and heavy cream can contain gluten and dairy. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta, and for dairy-free variations, try using a plant-based cream alternative. Always double-check products labeled as allergy-friendly to keep everyone safe!
How can I adjust the spice level to suit my taste?
Absolutely, adjusting the spice level is easy! Start with a smaller amount of cajun seasoning, and taste the sauce as you go. You can always add more if you’re looking for a spicier kick. If you’re serving for those who prefer milder flavors, you can omit the red pepper flakes or offer them on the side for individuals to add as they like!
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Easy Family Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add the pasta, and cook until tender yet slightly firm, about 9-11 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced onions. Sauté until they become soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Ensure it’s broken into small pieces for even cooking!
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to meld with the beef and onion mixture for a rich flavor enhancement.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, add the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Gently simmer for 1-2 minutes to create a luscious sauce.
- Take the skillet off heat and mix in the parmesan cheese until melted and fully integrated into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with more pasta water as needed.
- Combine the drained pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing it well to ensure every noodle is lovingly coated with the delicious mixture.
- Dish the pasta into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to please!