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Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef: A Zesty Weeknight Favorite

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a satisfying and beginner-friendly dish that combines comfort with a zesty twist.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended) Other shapes like fusilli or spaghetti can be swapped.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained Swap with diced tomatoes and green chilies for a milder taste.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup Consider a homemade or plant-based alternative.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half makes a lighter substitute.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to try mozzarella or dairy-free cheese for variation.
For Sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, diced Shallots are a fine substitute.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Use garlic powder if you're short on fresh garlic.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Swap with vegetable oil if preferred.
Seasoning and Garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 2 green onions, chopped Optional, for garnish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Once finished, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Introduce 1 pound of ground beef into the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and the cream of mushroom soup, mixing thoroughly until well integrated and coming to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely into the sauce.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to desired taste.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce.
  9. Divide onto plates or into bowls and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for garnish. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

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