Description
This easy Rotel pasta recipe combines tender rotini pasta with seasoned ground beef, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a creamy cheese and sour cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish is comforting and packed with bold southwestern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 10 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 3/4 cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer with Seasonings: Stir the undrained Rotel tomatoes, beef stock, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the meat and tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the ingredients are well combined.
- Melt Cheese and Add Sour Cream: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt evenly throughout the pasta. Then mix in the sour cream to create a creamy, rich sauce coating the pasta and beef mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a warm and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
