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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: A Beginner’s Guide to a Quick and Hearty Comfort Meal

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A 45‑minute, one‑skillet pasta that wraps al dente penne (or rotini) in a creamy sauce of cheddar, Rotel tomatoes, and tender ground beef. It’s rich, gently spicy, and practically fool‑proof—ideal for first‑time cooks craving serious comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes + green chilies, undrained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz pasta (penne/rotini)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook Pasta – Boil salted water, cook pasta al dente, drain.
  • Sauté Base – In large skillet, heat olive oil; sauté onion & garlic ≈ 3 min.
  • Brown Beef – Add beef, cook until no pink remains; drain fat.
  • Build Sauce – Stir in Rotel + mushroom soup; mix well.
  • Cream & Simmer – Pour in heavy cream; simmer 5 min to thicken.
  • Cheese It Up – Gradually melt in cheddar until smooth and creamy.
  • Season – Salt, pepper (plus pinch of cayenne if you like heat).
  • Combine – Fold pasta into sauce until evenly coated.
  • Serve – Plate hot, garnish with green onions, enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Stick to al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed into the sauce.
  • How to Know When Beef Is Done: It should be brown all over with no pink spots. Use a meat thermometer if unsure; it should register 160°F.
  • Prevent Cheese Clumps: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly. Don’t add all at once, or it might become stringy.
  • Cream Too Thin? Simmer a few extra minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.
  • Cream Too Thick? Add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Prepping Efficiently: Dice onions and garlic while waiting for water to boil. Shred cheese beforehand or use pre-shredded.
  • No Skillet? You can also use a large pot for the entire cooking process.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/creamy-rotel-pasta-with-ground-beef-a-beginners-guide-to-a-quick-and-hearty-comfort-meal/