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Cheesy Rotel Pasta Bake

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This Cheesy Rotel Pasta Bake is a creamy, zesty, and comforting hot dish made with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (mild or hot)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional, or sub more cheddar)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes (1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside. Toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add Rotel tomatoes (with juices), cream cheese, and Velveeta (if using) to the skillet. Lower heat to medium and stir until cheese is melted and mixture is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Pour in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and cheesy beef sauce. Stir until well coated.
  7. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or extra cheese as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent mushiness after baking. Hand-shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel and cheese types. You can prep the dish ahead and bake before serving. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Add-ins like corn, black beans, or bell peppers work well. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy pasta bake, Rotel casserole, ground beef hot dish, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, family meal, potluck recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, kid friendly

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cheesy-rotel-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-creamy-ground-beef-hot-dish/