Rotel Pasta!

Introduction

When I first made Rotel Pasta, it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of seasoned ground chuck, creamy Velveeta cheese, and spicy Rotel tomatoes creates a rich and flavorful dish that everyone can’t stop talking about. I love that it’s simple to make but delivers such a satisfying, comforting meal. The richness from the Velveeta cheese and the extra kick from the taco seasoning and Slap Ya Mama give this pasta an unforgettable flavor profile. My family devours this dish every time I make it, and I’ve even started prepping it for busy weeknights since it’s easy to make in big batches. It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd or for having leftovers throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Rotel Pasta!

Rotel Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist. The hearty blend of savory ground chuck, bell peppers, onions, and spices creates a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. The star of this dish is the creamy cheese sauce, made with both classic Velveeta and Blanco Velveeta cheese, which coats the pasta perfectly. When combined with the zing of Rotel tomatoes and the heat from the seasonings, this dish becomes a favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal, a comforting dinner after a long day, or something to impress at your next dinner party, Rotel Pasta checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Rotel Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chuck
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Pasta noodles (any kind you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (original or mild, depending on your preference)
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 8 oz Blanco Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite type)

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp season salt
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or any Cajun seasoning)
• 1 tsp Accent seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Begin by boiling the pasta noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Chuck:
   In a large skillet or pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chuck and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the Vegetables:
   Once the ground chuck is browned, add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the Seasonings:
   Stir in the season salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, Slap Ya Mama, and Accent seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasonings coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
5. Combine the Rotel Tomatoes:
   Add the can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Melt the Cheese:
   Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and Blanco Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and form a creamy sauce.
7. Add Heavy Cream:
   Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. This will add richness and help create a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce.
8. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta noodles into the skillet and mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the cheesy sauce.
9. Top with Shredded Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta and let it melt into the dish. Give it a final stir to incorporate the cheese.
10. Serve:
    Serve the Rotel Pasta hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or even chopped green onions for a burst of color.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of the recipe)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

Rotel Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• As a Main Dish:
  Serve this creamy, cheesy pasta as the centerpiece of your meal. It’s filling and rich enough to stand alone.
• With a Side Salad:
  Pair the pasta with a crisp side salad of greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Top with Fresh Herbs:
  Garnish your pasta with fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color.
• With Garlic Bread:
  Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Spicy Version:
  Add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dish for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

1. Make it Spicy:
   If you like heat, use the spicy version of Rotel tomatoes or add extra chili powder or fresh chopped chilies to the dish.
2. Add Extra Veggies:
   Consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make the dish even more nutritious.
3. Make it Lower Fat:
   Swap out the Velveeta cheese for a lower-fat cheese, or use a reduced-fat cream to cut down on calories.
4. Use Ground Turkey:
   Substitute the ground chuck with lean ground turkey for a healthier, lower-fat version of this dish.
5. Meal Prep:
   This recipe can easily be made in large batches and stored for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Velveeta with other meltable cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. However, Velveeta provides a unique creamy texture that might be hard to replicate.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground chuck and turkey sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage.

3. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Rotel Pasta ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when needed. The flavors will even improve after sitting for a day.

4. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer—penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta work well in this dish.

5. How can I make the sauce creamier?
For an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream when mixing in the cheese.

6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Rotel Pasta can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator and microwave until hot.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat.

8. Can I substitute the taco seasoning?
Yes, if you don’t have taco seasoning, use a mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a similar flavor.

9. How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
To prevent the cheese from clumping, make sure the heat is low when you add it to the sauce, and stir continuously until melted.

10. Can I add more protein?
Yes, you can add more protein by including grilled chicken, beef, or even beans for a vegetarian protein boost.

Conclusion

Rotel Pasta is a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture, savory ground chuck, and the perfect blend of spices, it delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that can easily be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a special dinner with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Make it your own by adjusting the heat, adding extra veggies, or switching up the protein. With endless customization options, Rotel Pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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