Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ BBQ & Grill Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe came about when I was looking for a way to transform the classic Rotel dip into a hearty family meal. The combination of spicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and savory ground beef creates the perfect comfort food that's both satisfying and easy to make."

Jake's Texas roots shine through in recipes like this that celebrate bold Tex-Mex flavors while keeping preparation simple enough for busy weeknight dinners.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Creamy pasta with ground beef in a large pot, topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, with a wooden spoon stirring the mixture

The Magic of Rotel Tomatoes

Rotel tomatoes are the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary pasta into something special. The combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies provides both flavor and gentle heat, creating a Tex-Mex foundation that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and savory ground beef.

The beauty of this one-pot method is that the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful liquid, absorbing all the delicious tastes as it becomes tender. This technique creates a more cohesive dish where every bite is infused with the rich, spicy-creamy sauce.

💡 Professional Tip

Don't drain the pasta separately - cooking it directly in the seasoned broth allows it to absorb maximum flavor while the starch helps thicken the final sauce naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or rigatoni works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions, usually 12-15 minutes.

Substitute with one can diced tomatoes plus one small can diced green chilies, or add jalapeños to regular diced tomatoes for heat.

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well. You may need to add a bit more oil since they're leaner than beef.

Keep heat on low when adding cream cheese and cream. Stir constantly and make sure cream cheese is fully melted before adding other dairy.

This dish is best fresh, but leftovers keep 2-3 days refrigerated. Add milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Use Rotel 'Hot' instead of original, add diced jalapeños, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.

Add more beef broth, a splash at a time, until you reach desired consistency. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.

Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or diced zucchini work well. Add them with the onions and cook until tender before proceeding.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Mushy Pasta

Problem: Pasta becomes overcooked and mushy

Solution: Check pasta doneness frequently in the last few minutes. It should be al dente since it continues cooking in the hot sauce.

✅

Broken Sauce

Problem: Cream sauce looks curdled or separated

Solution: Lower heat immediately and whisk vigorously. Add cold cream slowly while whisking to bring sauce back together.

✅

Too Watery

Problem: Final dish is too thin and watery

Prevention: Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce liquid. The starch from pasta should help thicken naturally.

✅

Not Enough Flavor

Problem: Dish tastes bland despite seasoning

Recovery: Taste and adjust salt, add more taco seasoning, or finish with a squeeze of lime juice to brighten flavors.

✅

Cheese Won't Melt

Problem: Shredded cheese clumps instead of melting smoothly

Prevention: Remove from heat before adding cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents - freshly grated melts better.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more cumin or a splash of hot sauce

Too Salty: Add more cream or serve with sour cream to balance

Bland: Increase taco seasoning and finish with fresh lime juice

Raw ground beef, penne pasta, Rotel tomatoes can, heavy cream, shredded cheese, and spices arranged on a kitchen counter

Building Layers of Tex-Mex Flavor

The foundation of great Rotel pasta starts with properly browning the ground beef to develop deep, savory flavors. Don't rush this step - let the meat develop a nice golden color before adding other ingredients, as this creates the rich base that supports all the other flavors.

Quality Rotel tomatoes make a significant difference in the final dish. The balance of tomatoes and green chilies should provide gentle heat without overwhelming the creamy elements. If you prefer more heat, opt for the 'Hot' variety or add fresh jalapeños.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef Quality: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. Leaner beef can become dry, while fattier options may make the dish greasy.
  • Rotel Selection: Original Rotel provides mild heat perfect for families. Hot Rotel or Fire Roasted varieties add more complexity for those who enjoy spicier food.
  • Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but a Mexican cheese blend works well too. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Ground beef and pasta cooking in a large pot with creamy sauce being stirred in, melted cheese visible throughout

Mastering the One-Pot Method

The key to successful one-pot pasta is managing the liquid ratio and timing. The pasta should absorb most of the cooking liquid while still leaving enough moisture to create a creamy sauce when the dairy is added.

Temperature control becomes crucial when creating the cream sauce. Once you add the cream cheese and heavy cream, keep the heat low to prevent the dairy from breaking. The residual heat from the pasta and beef will be enough to melt the cheese smoothly.

Perfect Pasta Timing

Start checking pasta doneness 2-3 minutes before package directions suggest. It should be just shy of al dente since it continues cooking in the sauce.

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Prep 10 min
Cook 20 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 240ml heavy cream
    Creates rich, luxurious sauce
  • 225g cream cheese, cubed
    Cube for faster, smoother melting
  • 240g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    Sharp cheddar provides best flavor
  • 720ml beef broth
    Low-sodium preferred for better control
  • 15g taco seasoning
    Key for authentic Tex-Mex flavor
  • 1 tsp cumin
    Adds warm, earthy depth
  • 60g green onions, chopped
    Fresh garnish for color and flavor

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 450g ground beef (80/20)
    Perfect fat ratio for flavor and texture
  • 340g penne pasta
    Short pasta works best for one-pot method
  • 280g Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies
    The signature ingredient for Tex-Mex flavor
  • 1 medium onion, diced
    Provides savory foundation
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic enhances overall flavor
  • 1 tsp paprika
    Adds color and mild smoky flavor
  • Fresh cilantro
    Classic Tex-Mex garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add Aromatics

    Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add Liquids and Pasta

    Pour in beef broth and Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.

  4. Create Creamy Sauce

    Reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually add heavy cream, stirring constantly until well combined and creamy.

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream on the side if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess. This dish doesn't freeze well due to the dairy content.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm tortillas, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh avocado slices. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Variations

Try adding corn, black beans, or bell peppers for extra vegetables. Different cheese combinations like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can change the flavor profile.