One-Pot Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: Comfort Food Heaven

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special with its perfect blend of hearty ground beef, zesty diced tomatoes, and rich cream cheese that melts into pure comfort. Picture this: you walk through your front door after a long day, and within 30 minutes, you’re savoring a bowl of this satisfying pasta that tastes like it simmered all day long.

I discovered this recipe during one of those chaotic Tuesday evenings when my kids were asking “what’s for dinner?” every five minutes, and I had exactly one pound of ground beef thawing on the counter.

The magic happened when I combined the smoky heat of Rotel tomatoes with the creamy richness that only cream cheese can provide. The result? A dish that had my family asking for seconds and requesting it again the very next week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground beef pasta recipe has become my go-to solution for busy families who crave restaurant-quality comfort food without the hefty price tag or lengthy prep time. The beauty lies in its simplicity – everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development as each ingredient builds upon the last.

What sets this creamy pasta dish apart is how the Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika create an unexpectedly sophisticated depth of flavor, while the combination of heavy cream and cream cheese delivers that luxurious texture we all crave. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting friends, this recipe consistently delivers that perfect balance of familiar comfort and exciting flavor. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional family-friendly meal inspiration.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious one-pot pasta meal:

Find more weeknight recipe ideas here to build your repertoire of quick, satisfying meals that bring the family together around the dinner table.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. 
   

   Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

   
   
2. 
   

   Brown the beef: In the same large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add seasonings: Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

   
   
5. 
   

   Create the sauce base: Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

   
   
6. 
   

   Incorporate cream elements: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Add the softened cream cheese cubes, whisking constantly until completely melted and smooth.

   
   
7. 
   

   Combine and finish: Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

   
   
8. 
   

   Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately while hot.

   
   

Exact Timing to make Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Pasta cooking time: 10-12 minutes (simultaneously with other steps)
• Beef browning: 5-6 minutes
• Vegetable sautéing: 4 minutes
• Sauce building: 8-10 minutes
• Total cooking time: 30 minutes from start to finish

Nutritional Information

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (recipe serves 6):

*Nutritional data based on USDA food composition databases. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods used.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef into a more nutritious option with these smart substitutions:

For those following specific dietary patterns, consider adding finely diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the vegetable content without compromising the beloved creamy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

Explore more dessert recipes here to complete your comforting meal with equally satisfying sweet treats.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh sides: Serve this rich Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef alongside a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette dressing or steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance the creamy richness. The acidity in a simple mixed greens salad helps cut through the richness while providing essential nutrients.

Bread accompaniments: Warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls make excellent companions for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, try toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and herbs.

Beverage pairings: This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, while non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lime or iced tea complement the spicy elements perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta continues cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce, aim for true al dente texture during the initial boiling phase. Mushy pasta will absorb too much sauce and create an unpleasant texture in your final dish.

Adding cream too quickly: Rushing the cream cheese incorporation can result in a lumpy, separated sauce. Always reduce heat to low and add cream cheese gradually while whisking constantly to ensure a silky smooth consistency.

Skipping the pasta water: That starchy pasta cooking water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency. The starches help bind the sauce to the pasta and create the perfect creamy coating that clings to every piece.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator storage: Store leftover Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious.

Reheating methods: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works but stir frequently and use 50% power to prevent the cream from separating.

Freezing considerations: While this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, the cream-based sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the beef mixture separately from the pasta and combine fresh pasta when ready to serve.

FAQs

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

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• Author: julia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This One-Pot Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef brings together smoky heat, creamy richness, and hearty comfort in under 30 minutes. With zesty Rotel tomatoes, melty cream cheese, and tender pasta, this simple meal delivers bold flavor and easy cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. Stir and cook 1 minute to release flavors.
5. Add Rotel tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Lower heat and add heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese cubes, whisking until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Return cooked pasta to the pot and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot Rotel. Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist. This creamy one-pot dish reheats beautifully for leftovers the next day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: rotel pasta, creamy beef pasta, one pot recipe, easy dinner, comfort food