Creamy Cheesy Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Tex-Mex Comfort (Print Version)
Whip up a Rotel Pasta Fiesta! This creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex delight brings warmth and flavor to your table, perfect for a fuss-free weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
16 oz elbow macaroni
03 -
1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
04 -
2 cups chicken broth
05 -
1 cup whole milk
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I usually add more!)
08 -
1 tbsp chili powder
09 -
1 tsp ground cumin
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Dairy & Cheese
11 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
12 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (freshly grated is best!)
→ Garnish & Toppings
13 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, but I love it!)
14 -
Sliced jalapeños (for a kick!)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that elbow macaroni boiling! Follow the package directions, but honestly, I always add a generous pinch of salt to the water. It’s a game-changer for flavoring the pasta from the inside out. Cook it until it’s al dente—you want a slight bite, not mush. Drain it and set it aside, maybe toss with a tiny bit of oil so it doesn't stick together. This is where I sometimes forget the salt, and the pasta just tastes... flat. Don't be like me!
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, get your ground beef sizzling over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon until it’s beautifully browned. Drain off any excess fat—we want flavor, not grease! Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell! It’s the start of something good. Don’t rush this step, or your onions might still be crunchy, and nobody wants that in their creamy pasta. I once almost burned the garlic here, talk about a close call!
03 -
Now for the magic! Stir in the can of Rotel (undrained, please!), chicken broth, milk, chili powder, and cumin. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors get to know each other. This is where the sauce really starts to come alive. You'll see it thicken slightly. I love watching the colors deepen as it cooks. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor right there!
04 -
Reduce the heat to low, then add your cream cheese, cut into chunks. Stir constantly until it’s completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is the moment where the Rotel Pasta Fiesta transforms into that luxurious, comforting dish we're aiming for. Taste it now and adjust seasonings. A little more salt? A dash more chili powder? Your kitchen, your rules!
05 -
Add your cooked macaroni to the skillet with the sauce. Give it a good stir to ensure every single elbow is coated in that lusciousness. Then, fold in about half of your grated cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melty and gooey. This part always gets a little messy in my kitchen, but it’s a happy mess! I usually have a few strands of pasta escaping the pan, but that's part of the charm, right?
06 -
If you're using an oven-safe skillet, great! If not, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible. That golden, bubbly top is what makes this Rotel Pasta Fiesta truly irresistible. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, honestly, it helps the sauce set just a little.
# Notes:
01 -
Always taste your sauce before adding the pasta; seasoning it right makes all the difference.
02 -
Leftovers reheat best slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
03 -
Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef if you prefer.
04 -
Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, and maybe some garlic bread for dipping!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
large pot
03 -
baking dish (if not using oven-safe skillet)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 25-30g