Flavorful Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Your New Favorite Beef Dish
Get ready for a party in your mouth with this vibrant and hearty Rotel Pasta Fiesta! This one-pot wonder is packed with zesty flavors and creamy goodness, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Author: yassine
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)
- 1 lb lean Ground Beef (85-90% lean)
- 12–16 oz medium-sized Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese or Velveeta (softened or cut into cubes)
- 1 Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Optional Toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños
- Heat a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and deglaze by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Stir in the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the dry pasta directly into the simmering liquid, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
- Stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat.
- Add the softened cream cheese (or cubed Velveeta) to the pot and stir until completely melted and smoothly incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle portions into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot Rotel. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans and corn. Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious boost.