Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef – A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
When you need something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef checks every box. It’s rich, cheesy, slightly zesty from the tomatoes and green chilies, and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the ultimate easy weeknight pasta dinner.
This creamy tomato beef pasta recipe combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a luscious cheese sauce into one cozy, family-friendly meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
If you love bold flavor with minimal effort, this cheesy beef pasta recipe will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotel Pasta
- Quick and easy (ready in about 30 minutes)
- Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
- Packed with comforting cheesy flavor
- Mild kick from Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for leftovers
The balance of creamy sauce, savory beef, and subtle spice makes this one of the best rotel pasta with ground beef recipes you can make at home.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a popular canned blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies. It adds instant flavor, slight heat, and acidity to dishes. The chilies are typically mild, but you can choose different heat levels depending on your preference.
In this creamy Rotel pasta, the tomatoes bring brightness while the chilies add just enough warmth to balance the rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. - Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add Rotel and Seasonings
Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes. Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to develop flavor. - Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and allow mixture to gently simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add Cheese
Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly in the creamy tomato beef sauce. - Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
- Brown ground beef and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add Rotel and seasonings, simmer briefly.
- Stir in heavy cream and let thicken.
- Add cheeses and stir until melted.
- Combine pasta with sauce and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy. Freshly shredded melts much more smoothly.
Control the Heat Level
Use mild Rotel for a family-friendly version or hot Rotel for extra spice.
Let It Simmer
Allowing the sauce to simmer briefly helps the flavors deepen and blend together beautifully.
Delicious Variations
Cream Cheese Version
Add 2 ounces of cream cheese for an extra thick, ultra-creamy texture.
Tex-Mex Twist
Add taco seasoning and top with crushed tortilla chips and green onions.
Veggie Boost
Stir in corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
Baked Version
Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
What to Serve with Creamy Rotel Pasta
This easy weeknight pasta dinner pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
The creamy richness balances nicely with lighter vegetable sides.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Freezing
While possible, creamy sauces may slightly change texture after freezing. For best results, enjoy fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the cream at high heat (can cause separation)
- Adding cheese while the sauce is too hot
- Skipping seasoning adjustments
- Not draining excess grease from beef
Why This is the Perfect Cozy Dinner
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food for busy evenings. It’s rich without being overwhelming, flavorful without being complicated, and satisfying enough to please the whole family.
The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and zesty tomatoes creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent much longer in the kitchen than you actually did.
It’s:
- Hearty
- Creamy
- Slightly zesty
- Family-approved
- Budget-friendly
If you’re searching for a creamy rotel pasta recipe that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this is the one.
