If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal with a little kick, this Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet is just what you need. This dish combines hearty ground beef, tender penne pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce spiced with Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that packs bold flavors into every bite. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s a one-pot meal that delivers maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- One 10-ounce can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, keeping the liquid
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the penne pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, as directed on the package. Drain and keep it aside for later use.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Let the spices cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
- Create the Sauce: Pour the can of Rotel diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the beef broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and cream cheese cubes. Allow the sauce to cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to mix until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
This Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. The combination of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with bold spices and Rotel’s signature tomatoes and chilies creates a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Plus, the use of one skillet minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. Add this recipe to your meal rotation and enjoy the fusion of creamy and spicy in every bite!