Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: A Quick Family Favorite
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- - Skillet
- - Pot
- - Cutting board
- - Knife
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Pasta (recommended: Barilla penne) Any pasta shape can work.
For the Sauce
- 10 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (RO*TEL Original) Feel free to use fresh tomatoes.
- 18 oz Ground Beef (preferably 80/20) Consider ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- 1.25 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half is a lighter substitute.
- 0.75 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated or shredded cheese melts quicker.
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust heat level to your liking.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (preferably Hunt’s) Sun-dried tomato paste can add sweetness.
For the Aromatics
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil Any cooking oil or butter works.
- 0.5 cup Onion (diced) Shallots offer a milder flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder can serve in a pinch.
To Finish
- Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings that enhance flavors.
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Feel free to omit or reduce.
- Parsley Freshens up the dish; basil or cilantro can be alternatives.
Instructions
Directions
- Prep Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook for 5-6 minutes, and drain any excess fat.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower heat, add heavy cream and reserved pasta water, stirring gently.
- Finish Sauce: Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine & Serve: Pour the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until coated. Serve with fresh parsley.
Notes
For an extra kick, sprinkle some additional red pepper flakes before serving.