Comfort food meets bold flavors in this Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet (Creamy & Flavorful). Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Rotel’s signature blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese. This one-pan wonder is the ultimate solution for a quick and satisfying dinner that packs a punch of flavor with every bite.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re looking for a dish to impress your family, this spicy pasta skillet delivers hearty portions and bold flavors with minimal effort. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet
Here are some reasons why this dish will become a staple in your household:
- One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup makes this recipe ideal for weeknights.
- Creamy and flavorful: A luscious sauce made with heavy cream, Rotel, and cheddar cheese brings comfort to every bite.
- Bold spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin create a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to fit your preferences.
- Family-friendly: It’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for picky eaters and foodies alike.
Ingredients for Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 1 pound |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with liquid) | 10 oz can |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Cream cheese, cubed and softened | 4 oz |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
- Prepare the Pot: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Penne: Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, as directed on the package (approximately 10-12 minutes).
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain Excess Fat: If needed, drain any excess fat from the skillet before continuing.
3. Add Aromatics and Spices
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly and let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
4. Create the Sauce
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour the can of Rotel (with its liquid) and the beef broth into the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate Creamy Elements: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and cream cheese cubes. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the Pasta and Cheese
- Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing until the pasta is fully coated.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a rich, cheesy sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Add Fresh Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Hot: Serve the pasta immediately, and enjoy its bold, creamy flavors.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet
- Adjust the spice level: For a milder dish, use mild Rotel and reduce the chili powder. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Use fresh cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce than pre-shredded options.
- Don’t skip the garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add brightness that balances the dish’s richness.
- Make it your own: Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Save pasta water: If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
FAQ: Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.
5. What’s a good substitute for Rotel?
If you don’t have Rotel, you can use a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a teaspoon of diced green chilies.
6. How can I add more veggies?
Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms would all make great additions to this dish.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet combines the best of bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that satisfies your cravings for comfort food while still feeling exciting and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ready to Spice Up Your Dinner?
Gather your ingredients and whip up this flavorful Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet tonight. With its creamy sauce, bold spices, and hearty pasta, it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite! 🌶️🍝
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Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet (Creamy & Flavorful)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Rotel Beef Pasta Skillet is a perfect harmony of bold flavors and creamy comfort. The spicy kick of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies combines beautifully with seasoned ground beef, penne pasta, and a luscious cheese-infused sauce. It’s a hearty one-pan recipe that promises to deliver on both flavor and convenience.
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 Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with liquid)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (approximately 10-12 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion softens.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Aromatics and Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
4. Create the Sauce
- Add the Rotel (including the liquid) and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well.
- Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and cream cheese cubes.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese melts completely, and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and evenly distributed.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve hot, and enjoy every creamy, spicy, and flavorful bite!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level: For a milder dish, use mild Rotel and cut back on chili powder. Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese options: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options. Feel free to use Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a flavor twist.
- Vegetable add-ins: Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for extra nutrients.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American