Description
Rotel pasta brings zesty Tex-Mex magic to dinner tables with creamy cheese and spicy tomatoes dancing together. Hearty comfort meets quick weeknight convenience, promising delicious smiles for hungry families craving bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (450 g)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini (240 g)
Protein and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef (450 g)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz / 280 g)
- 1 small onion (100 g)
- 2 cloves garlic (6 g)
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (225 g)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (115 g)
- 1 tsp salt (6 g)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (1 g)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (1 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15 g)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then add to the browned beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour the Rotel tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and aromatics, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate the cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and chili powder into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the consistency seems dry.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, providing a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, spicy, and cheesy flavors of this comforting Rotel Pasta.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
- Meat Texture Tip: Ensure ground beef is finely crumbled for even distribution and better sauce integration.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and choose mild or hot Rotel tomatoes to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
- Dietary Swap Options: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded chicken for alternative protein sources, keeping the dish versatile and adaptable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg