The Art of Ultimate Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Comfort Perfection

Perfect Ground Beef Browning Mastery

Master the technique of properly browning ground beef for optimal flavor and texture development.

Cheese Sauce Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce without breaking or curdling.

Pasta Integration Perfection

Perfect the method of combining pasta with sauce for even coating and proper consistency.

Flavor Balance Technique

Master the art of balancing spicy, creamy, and savory elements for perfect taste harmony.

Temperature Control Strategy

Learn optimal heat management for cooking beef, melting cheese, and maintaining sauce quality.

Comfort Food Mastery Secrets for Perfect Creamy Rotel Pasta Creation

Beef Browning: Cook ground beef completely and drain excess fat for best texture and flavor.

Cheese Integration: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent sauce from breaking or curdling.

Pasta Timing: Cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce.

Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness to perfect coating consistency.

Heat Control: Keep heat at medium to prevent cream sauce from separating or scorching.

Fresh Garnish: Add fresh herbs and lime juice at the end to maintain bright, fresh flavors.

Ultimate Creamy Rotel Pasta with Seasoned Ground Beef and Three-Cheese Sauce Perfection

Name: Ultimate Creamy Rotel Pasta with Seasoned Ground Beef and Three-Cheese Sauce Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Ground Beef Base:; 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; For the Rotel Foundation:; 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; For the Pasta Component:; 1 pound penne pasta; 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups beef broth (for cooking); For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; For the Three-Cheese Blend:; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup cream cheese, cubed; For the Seasoning Mix:; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

The ultimate comfort food pasta featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and rich three-cheese cream sauce tossed with tender pasta for a hearty family dinner. This satisfying one-pot masterpiece combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef with the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and the luxurious creaminess of melted cheese sauce, creating an unforgettable pasta experience that elevates simple weeknight ingredients to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory comfort food flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Ground Beef Base:

1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 large yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced

For the Rotel Foundation:

2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Pasta Component:

1 pound penne pasta

1 teaspoon salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups beef broth (for cooking)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Three-Cheese Blend:

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

1/4 cup cream cheese, cubed

For the Seasoning Mix:

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Flavor Enhancement:

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Fresh Components:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

3 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

For the Seasoning Balance:

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Finishing Touches:

Sour cream for serving

Extra shredded cheese

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Sliced jalapeños (optional)

For the Thickening Agent:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Perfect Serving:

Warm dinner plates

Fresh lime wedges

Crusty bread (optional)

Side salad greens

For Special Equipment:

Large skillet or Dutch oven

Large pasta pot

Wooden spoon

Cheese grater

Colander

Instructions

Begin by bringing large pot of salted water to boil for pasta cooking.

Heat large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with olive oil.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with spoon, until browned completely.

Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to beef, cooking until softened.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for seasoning depth.

Add Rotel tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and green chilies to beef mixture.

Incorporate tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce for flavor complexity.

Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika to taste preferences.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente texture.

Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining pasta completely.

In same skillet, add softened cream cheese to beef mixture, stirring until melted.

Gradually add heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.

Slowly incorporate shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted.

Add pepper jack cheese and additional cream cheese cubes for extra creaminess.

If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency.

Fold in drained pasta, tossing gently to coat completely with creamy sauce.

Stir in fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime juice for bright finishing flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed.

Garnish with extra cheese, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños before serving hot.

Serve immediately in warm bowls with sour cream and lime wedges on side.

Ultimate Creamy Rotel Pasta with Seasoned Ground Beef and Three-Cheese Sauce Perfection

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef Comfort Perfection

Ultimate Creamy Rotel Pasta with Seasoned Ground Beef and Three-Cheese Sauce Perfection

Ingredients

Instructions