Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for Easy Family Nights
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- Skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
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.
- 1.25 cup heavy cream Creates a velvety sauce; can swap with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 0.75 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
- 0.5 cup onion Finely diced for quicker sautéing and a flavorful base.
- 3 cloves garlic 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.
- 0.25 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.
Instructions
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
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.