Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies 10 ounces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. Remember, it’s going to cook a bit more when you mix it into the sauce, so you don’t want it too soft! Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside. - Sauté the beef and onions
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, go ahead and drain some of it off (but leave a little for flavor). - Add the Rotel and seasonings
Pour in the Rotel, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and smoked paprika. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. - Make it creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If you find that the sauce is a bit too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or a little pasta water to loosen it up. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it well with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and give it a few minutes to melt into the pasta. Stir gently until everything is gooey and well mixed. - Garnish and serve
Serve your creamy Rotel pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Serving ideas to elevate your meal
For presentation, I love to sprinkle extra cheddar and a handful of chopped cilantro on top—it makes the dish look colorful and inviting. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on top adds even more creaminess!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner