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Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef – Easy Creamy Bake Recipe

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This Rotel pasta with ground beef is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake packed with Southwest flavor and a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes. It’s a quick, comforting dinner that’s easy to customize and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni (about 3/4 of a standard 16 oz box)
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred, or substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in undrained Rotel tomatoes and milk. Stir until creamy and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. In a large mixing bowl (or the pasta pot), combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, and 1.5 cups shredded cheddar. Stir until evenly coated.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are lightly browned. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when baked. Shred your own cheese for the best melt. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Add extra veggies like corn or spinach for more nutrition. Let the bake rest before serving for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel pasta, ground beef pasta bake, creamy pasta casserole, Tex-Mex pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, family dinner, pasta casserole, Rotel recipes

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/rotel-pasta-with-ground-beef-easy-creamy-bake-recipe-to-try/