Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a bold, creamy, and comforting pasta dish packed with Tex-Mex flavors. Made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and a cheesy, slightly spicy sauce, this recipe comes together quickly and feeds a crowd. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you want a hearty meal with a little kick. This dish is easy, filling, and customizable, making it a family favorite that disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy one-pan style meal
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Mild heat with customizable spice level
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Kid-approved Tex-Mex comfort food
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish before serving if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Use mild or hot Rotel depending on spice preference
- Drain pasta well to avoid watery sauce
- Add cheese slowly to prevent clumping
- Sauce thickens as it cools
- Stir often once cream is added
Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture
- Use cream cheese for a richer sauce
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or cayenne
- Add taco seasoning instead of individual spices
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad
- Pair with garlic bread or tortilla chips
- Top with sour cream or avocado slices
- Sprinkle extra cheese before serving
- Serve as a main dish or potluck casserole
Tips
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Reheat gently to keep sauce creamy
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 520 calories
28g protein
28g fat
42g carbohydrates
FAQs
Can I make Rotel Pasta Fiesta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then reheat gently before serving.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can control the heat by choosing mild Rotel or adding extra spice.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, but cream sauces may slightly change texture. Stir well after reheating.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells holds the sauce best.
Can I make this without meat?
Yes, omit the meat and add beans or vegetables instead.
Conclusion
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is the perfect combination of creamy comfort and bold Tex-Mex flavor. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a cheesy Rotel-infused sauce, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to share, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit and one you’ll want to make again and again.