This creamy and flavorful Rotel pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A rich combination of ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a cheesy cream sauce makes this dish a family favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: For added heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese for a variation in flavor.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 643
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
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