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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)
  • 1 lb lean Ground Beef (85-90% lean)
  • 1216 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

Instructions

  1. Heat a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Carefully drain off any excess grease.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and deglaze by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
  7. Stir in the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  8. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  9. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  10. Add the dry pasta directly into the simmering liquid, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  11. Stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
  12. 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.
  13. Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat.
  14. Add the softened cream cheese (or cubed Velveeta) to the pot and stir until completely melted and smoothly incorporated.
  15. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  16. Ladle portions into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
  17. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

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.