Introduction
Rotel Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together the rich, savory taste of ground beef with the zesty kick of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. With its blend of cheesy goodness and a little spice.
it’s sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re a fan of pasta or just looking for a quick, comforting meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions.
Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need it later for consistency.
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring that it’s evenly browned and cooked through. Once the beef is ready, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies to the beef mixture. Stir everything together.
allowing the tomatoes and green chilies to blend with the meat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it into the beef and tomato mixture. If needed, add a small amount of the reserved.
pasta water to help the ingredients combine and create a nice, cohesive sauce.
Once everything is combined, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Serve your Rotel pasta hot and enjoy! Garnish with additional cheese or chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
How to Make
To make Rotel Pasta, start by preparing your ingredients. The penne pasta should be cooked in a large pot of water until it reaches al dente.
Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Once your pasta is drained, move on to cooking the beef. Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until they soften and become fragrant.
Then, add your ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Make sure it’s thoroughly browned and fully cooked before draining any excess fat.
After the beef is ready, pour in the Rotel tomatoes with chilies and let the mixture simmer to allow the flavors to blend. This adds both a touch of heat and a nice burst of tomato flavor to the dish.
Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
If you find the mixture a little dry, just add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
The final touch is the cheese! Adding cheddar cheese to the hot pasta creates a melty, gooey finish that brings the whole dish together. Stir until it’s all melted and bubbly.
Once the cheese is fully incorporated, your Rotel Pasta is ready to serve! You can add extra cheese or even some chopped fresh cilantro for a bit of color and extra flavor.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately, but it also makes for great leftovers if you have any.
The flavors only get better as they sit, making it a perfect meal for meal prep or to take to work the next day.
Variations
For those who prefer a little more spice, you can swap out the Rotel tomatoes for a spicier version.
such as the hot Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. This will give the dish an extra kick, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
This swaps out some of the fat while still giving you the protein you need for a satisfying meal.
Vegetarians can easily modify this recipe by omitting the ground beef and replacing it with a plant-based meat substitute or even beans for protein.
A mixture of black beans or kidney beans works well to keep the dish hearty and filling.
For a creamier texture, add a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef and tomato mixture before mixing in the pasta.
This will add a rich, velvety finish that’s comforting and indulgent.
If you prefer a different kind of cheese, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Monterey Jack.
mozzarella, or even pepper jack for some additional flavor. Just make sure it melts well to create that creamy texture.
For an even heartier dish, consider adding some vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are great additions that can be sautéed with the onions and garlic for extra nutrients.
Finally, if you’re craving some crunch, top the dish with a few crushed tortilla chips before serving. This gives it a fun, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
Tips
When cooking the penne pasta, be sure to salt the water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta. The salt helps to season the pasta from the inside out, making it more flavorful.
To make the beef cook more evenly, break it up into smaller pieces as it browns. This ensures that all the pieces cook thoroughly and allows for a better distribution of the flavors.
If you find that the dish is too thick after combining the pasta and sauce, just add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and creates a smoother texture.
Be sure to let the mixture simmer for a few minutes after adding the Rotel tomatoes. This gives the flavors time to meld together and makes the dish more flavorful.
For a more authentic Mexican twist, add a few teaspoons of chili powder or cumin to the beef mixture for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
If you want a lighter version of the dish without sacrificing flavor, try using reduced-fat cheese or skipping the cheese altogether.
The dish will still taste great without it, especially if you load it up with other flavorful ingredients.
For the best texture, be sure to use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and adds a richer taste to the dish.
Conclusion
Rotel Pasta is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that offers a satisfying combination of cheese, beef, and a little spice.
With its versatility and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect dish to make when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
This dish is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s customizable to suit a variety of tastes, making it an excellent choice for families or gatherings.