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
Scale
- 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