Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef – A Cozy Weeknight Dinner

There’s something magical about a dinner that comes together in one skillet, fills the kitchen with savory aromas, and brings everyone to the table without a single complaint. Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is exactly that kind of meal. It’s warm, cheesy, slightly spicy, and deeply comforting — the kind of dinner you turn to when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend cooking.

This easy weeknight pasta recipe combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. The result is bold, flavorful comfort food with just the right touch of heat. It’s hearty enough for hungry families, simple enough for busy schedules, and indulgent enough to feel like a treat.

If you’re looking for a cheesy beef pasta skillet that feels cozy and satisfying, this is the recipe you’ll want on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotel Pasta

There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• It’s made in one pan for easy cleanup
• It’s ready in about 30 minutes
• It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned
• It has a subtle Tex-Mex flair from Rotel tomatoes

The combination of creamy cheese sauce and seasoned beef creates layers of flavor that feel comforting yet exciting. The diced tomatoes and green chilies in Rotel add brightness and gentle heat, cutting through the richness just enough to keep every bite interesting.

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What Is Rotel and Why It Works So Well Here?

Rotel tomatoes are canned diced tomatoes blended with green chilies. They’re a pantry staple in many Southern and Tex-Mex kitchens because they add instant flavor and mild spice without extra prep work.

In this Rotel tomato pasta recipe, they serve two key purposes:

1. Flavor Enhancement – The chilies add subtle heat and depth.
2. Balance – The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the creamy sauce so the dish never feels too heavy.

The result is a pasta that’s rich but not overwhelming — creamy but still lively.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
5. Stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
6. Add the entire can of Rotel tomatoes (including juices) to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
8. Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until fully melted and creamy.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
11. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
12. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

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Tips for the Creamiest Results

Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Simmer gently. High heat can cause the cream sauce to separate.

Adjust spice level. Use mild or hot Rotel depending on preference.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about this comfort food dinner recipe is how adaptable it is.

1. Make It Spicier

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

2. Lighten It Up

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese.

3. Add Vegetables

Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added color and nutrition.

4. Swap the Protein

Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as a leaner alternative.

5. Turn It Into a Bake

Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

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Serving Suggestions

This cheesy beef pasta skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can round out the meal with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
• Fresh sliced avocado on the side

The freshness of a salad or vegetables balances the richness of the creamy sauce perfectly.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This helps restore the creamy texture.

This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Life gets busy, and dinner sometimes feels like another task on a long list. This easy weeknight pasta recipe solves that problem. It’s fast, satisfying, and made from pantry-friendly ingredients.

In about 30 minutes, you can serve a hot, creamy, flavor-packed meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

And perhaps the best part? It’s the kind of dinner that brings comfort. The creamy sauce, savory beef, and subtle spice create a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is more than just another pasta recipe. It’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing, comforting classic with a flavorful twist. The rich cheese sauce, seasoned beef, and vibrant Rotel tomatoes come together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something indulgent and cozy, this dish delivers every single time.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation.