Description
This creamy Rotel pasta dish combines hearty ground beef, flavorful spices, and a rich cheese sauce with tender penne pasta. It’s a quick, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the undrained can of Rotel, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy Rotel sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if preferred.
- Spice Level: Use mild or hot Rotel depending on your spice preference.
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
