Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy Cheesy Tex-Mex Delight (Print Version)

Rotel Pasta Fiesta brings creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex flavors to your table. A comforting, easy weeknight meal with a little kick. Perfect for busy evenings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Base

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
03 - 1 yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tex-Mex Flavor Makers

05 - 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
06 - 1 tbsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp cumin
08 - Salt & black pepper to taste

→ Dairy & Cheese Bliss

09 - 1 (16 oz) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
10 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

→ Fresh Finishing Touches

12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
13 - Optional: sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions for topping

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that ground beef cooking! Grab a large skillet – a big one, hon, because we're going to build this whole amazing dish right in there. Brown your ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease. I usually use a paper towel to soak up the last bits. Then, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion is soft and translucent, and that garlic smells absolutely heavenly, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing, setting the stage for the fiesta! I always forget to salt the water for the pasta, but I never forget this smell.
02 - Now for the flavor magic! Stir in your chili powder and cumin with the beef and onion mixture. Let those spices cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, so they really bloom and release their aromas. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible – earthy and warm! Then, pour in the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Give it a good stir, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. I once rushed this step, and the sauce just didn’t have the same depth; trust me, a little patience here pays off for your creamy Tex-Mex meal.
03 - While your sauce is simmering, get your pasta going! Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it's al dente. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but you shouldn't! Salt that water like the sea. Once it’s cooked, drain it well. Don't rinse it, though; we want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling to every single noodle. A well-cooked pasta is key to a truly satisfying meal.
04 - Reduce the heat under your beef mixture to low. Now for the creamy, dreamy part! Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This takes a little patience, but don't crank up the heat too high, or the cheese can get greasy or seize up. I’ve definitely had moments where I rushed this and ended up with slightly grainy cheese, which is not the vibe we're going for. It should be gloriously smooth!
05 - Once your cheese sauce is perfectly smooth, slowly whisk in the milk until you reach your desired consistency. Some days I like it a little thicker, some days a bit looser – it’s really up to you! Then, add the drained cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until every single noodle is coated in that incredible, cheesy Tex-Mex sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This is your moment to make it truly yours! I always taste it here and think, "Yep, that's the good stuff."
06 - Dish out your creamy Tex-Mex pasta immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if you're a fan. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some extra shredded cheese if you're feeling extra indulgent. It should look vibrant, smell cheesy and spicy, and feel like pure comfort. This is where all your hard work pays off, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your kitchen labor. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!

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