Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef. This dish is the perfect blend of cheesy, spicy, and hearty, bringing together tender pasta, zesty Rotel tomatoes, rich cream, and seasoned ground beef into one irresistible bowl of goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes.

What makes this pasta shine is the bold flavor combination. Rotel adds a spicy kick, the ground beef brings savory satisfaction, and the creamy cheese sauce wraps everything in a luscious, velvety hug. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and leaves you with almost no dishes — a total win for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Bold, cheesy flavor with just the right amount of spice
One-pan convenience means minimal cleanup
Kid-friendly and adult-approved, perfect for all ages
Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like corn, beans, or extra heat
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, it helps to have the right tools on hand for a smooth cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet or deep pan: This is essential for browning the beef and combining all the ingredients. A deep pan helps avoid splashes and keeps everything in one place.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything evenly.
Medium pot: You’ll need this to boil the pasta to al dente.
Colander: To drain the pasta quickly without losing any noodles.
Measuring cups and spoons: For ensuring accurate proportions of cheese, cream, and Rotel.

Having everything ready before you start makes the process quicker and keeps stress levels low. Let’s move on to the heart of this creamy delight — the ingredients and how to bring them all together.

Ingredients for the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Let’s break down what makes this creamy pasta so flavorful and comforting. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the bold, cheesy, and savory profile:

Penne pasta: A sturdy noodle that holds the creamy sauce perfectly in each bite.
Ground beef: Adds heartiness and deep flavor. Opt for 85/15 for a good balance of fat and flavor.
Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: These bring that classic zesty spice and tomato base.
Cream cheese: Softens the spice and delivers a rich, smooth creaminess.
Heavy cream: Helps create a luxurious, thick sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and gooey melt.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential dry seasonings that round out the flavor.
Salt and pepper: For enhancing and balancing all other flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A touch of green for garnish and freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Do not overcook — the pasta will absorb more sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from being oily.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Rotel

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the can of Rotel (do not drain). Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Add the cream cheese and stir until it’s melted and combined. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it gently bubble for a few minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted into a velvety, cheesy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold in the cooked pasta and mix until every piece is coated in the creamy beef sauce. Let it simmer together for another minute so the pasta can soak up that flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve and Store Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef

This dish is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet. You can plate it as-is or top it with extra cheddar cheese and parsley for presentation. If you want a crunch contrast, serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Storing: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the creaminess intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Rotini, shells, or rigatoni also work well and hold sauce nicely.

Is it spicy?

Rotel tomatoes bring a mild heat. For less spice, use the mild version. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or hot Rotel.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are great leaner alternatives.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Add a bit more cream cheese to thicken if needed.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Definitely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it properly and reheat as needed.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, though the cream sauce may separate slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and stir well when reheating.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved this Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef, here are more cheesy and hearty pasta recipes to keep your dinner lineup fresh:

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta — loaded with savory garlic and melty cheese.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole — rich, comforting, and irresistibly creamy.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti — perfect for cheesy chicken lovers.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce — another creamy, protein-packed option.
Spicy Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet — for those who want a bit more heat!

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra cheesy or add a spicy twist? I love seeing your creations and how you make it your own. Questions are always welcome, too — let’s make delicious dinners together!