Description
Rotel Pasta is a savory, creamy dish filled with the perfect blend of ground chuck, bell peppers, onions, and melty Velveeta cheeses. The addition of Rotel tomatoes and an array of seasonings takes this easy-to-make recipe to the next level. With a rich, creamy texture from the Velveeta and heavy cream, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Pasta noodles (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (original or mild, depending on your spice preference)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 8 oz Blanco Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
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 your preferred Cajun seasoning)
- 1 tsp Accent seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling your preferred pasta noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. - Cook the Ground Chuck:
In a large skillet or pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground chuck and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Stir occasionally to cook evenly until browned. - Add Vegetables:
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. - 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 coat the meat and vegetables with the spices. - Add Rotel Tomatoes:
Add the Rotel tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. - Melt the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat to low and add the Velveeta cheeses (both regular and Blanco) to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cheese has completely melted, creating a creamy sauce. - Add Heavy Cream:
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. This will help to make the sauce extra creamy and smooth. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta noodles to the skillet and stir to coat the noodles in the creamy cheese sauce. Make sure everything is evenly mixed. - Add Shredded Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and stir again to allow it to melt into the sauce. - Serve:
Serve the Rotel Pasta hot, and enjoy the cheesy, creamy, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier version, use the hot Rotel tomatoes or add fresh sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the ground chuck with a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, and simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great!
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of cream or use less cheese. For a creamier texture, you can add extra cream or cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- 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: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg