Name: Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro; Jalapeños; Sour cream

Introduction

Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy dish bursting with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. Combining tender pasta, zesty Rotel tomatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a smooth cheese sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing gatherings. This one-pot meal is easy to customize and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl. The dish has three main layers: the base layer is yellow penne pasta coated in a smooth, thick cream sauce, mixed with small chunks of soft red tomatoes. The middle layer has browned ground meat pieces scattered throughout the pasta, adding texture and color contrast with a slightly rough, crumbly look. The top layer is sprinkled with fresh green parsley pieces and specks of black pepper, adding a pop of color and a bit of texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey

1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 4: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in the can of Rotel with its liquid and mix well.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined.

Step 6: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 8: Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use short pasta shapes like penne or rotini for better sauce coating.

Substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for variation.

Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to boost nutrition and color.

For extra spice, mix in hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

Mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for creamier texture.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like beans and corn to keep it flavorful and meat-free.

How spicy is the dish?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat from the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. You can adjust the spice level by using mild Rotel, adding jalapeños, or stirring in hot sauce to suit your taste.