Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef

This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and the creaminess of a cheese-infused sauce. The addition of spices like chili powder, paprika, and cumin enhances the depth of flavor, while the creamy base, made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, envelops the pasta in a luscious coating. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream

• 5 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp water

• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

• Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  
  

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or deep pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

6. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.

8. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 43g

• Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 13g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 810mg

• Potassium: 877mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g