Description
This creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef is a delicious, hearty one-pan meal loaded with savory flavors from browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a luscious cheese and cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender pasta simmered directly in a creamy tomato broth, finished with melted cheddar and fresh parsley for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to bring out their natural sweetness and soften them.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain its flavor.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using, ensuring the beef is well-flavored.
- Simmer with Tomatoes: Stir in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich, creamy base for the pasta.
- Add Pasta: Add the pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. For extra heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous touch and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost the nutritional value and add color.
