When it comes to crave-worthy comfort food, Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef hits all the right notes. This delicious dish is a rich, cheesy fusion of classic Tex-Mex Rotel dip and hearty pasta, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and easy to make on a weeknight.

Packed with seasoned ground beef, Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy sauce that clings to every spiral of pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite. It’s perfect for busy nights, game-day gatherings, or when you simply want something warm and satisfying.

Curious where this flavor-packed idea came from? It’s rooted in the wildly popular Rotel dip, which blends Velveeta cheese with spicy canned tomatoes and meat for a gooey, crowd-pleasing appetizer. If you’re interested in its origins, you can read more about the history of Velveeta cheese here.

This pasta takes the core of that appetizer and transforms it into a filling, fork-ready dinner. And don’t worry, it’s easy to personalize. Whether you swap out the meat or use a different pasta shape, the base remains as creamy and delicious as ever. Not sure which pasta works best with creamy sauces? The folks at Barilla have a great pasta shape guide that breaks it all down.

What is Rotel Pasta?

Rotel pasta is inspired by the traditional Rotel dip—a Southern favorite made with Velveeta, cream cheese, ground beef, and Rotel canned tomatoes. This dish uses those same bold, spicy flavors and folds them into a creamy pasta sauce, creating a hybrid comfort food that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

It’s rich, cheesy, and comforting
Comes together in under 40 minutes
Makes great leftovers
Can be customized to suit any spice level or protein preference
Kid-friendly (just dial back the spice!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to make creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef:

Pasta: Rotini works beautifully, but penne or rigatoni are also great options
Ground beef: Use 80/20 for best flavor
Velveeta cheese: The star of the show for that smooth, creamy texture
Cream cheese: Adds depth and silkiness to the sauce
Rotel tomatoes: Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice tolerance
Colby Jack cheese: For an extra layer of gooey goodness
Green onions: Adds brightness and a bit of crunch
Jalapeños (optional): For those who love a kick
Olive oil
Pasta water: Helps emulsify the sauce
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining.
Brown the beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s nearly done. Add chopped onions and jalapeños, and sauté until fragrant. Season generously.
Make the sauce
In the same pan, add olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the cream and heat gently. Add cubes of Velveeta and cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Mix it all together
Add the Rotel tomatoes and green onions. Stir in the cooked beef and pasta. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.
Garnish and serve
Top with extra cheese and green onions. Serve hot.

Quick Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

½ box rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
8 oz Velveeta cheese
½ block cream cheese
1 cup Colby Jack cheese
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
Jalapeño, green onions, olive oil
Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper

Instructions

Cook pasta
Brown beef
Make creamy cheese sauce
Combine everything
Serve and enjoy

Customization Ideas

Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations:

Make it green: Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients
Swap proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp
Go meatless: Sub in black beans or lentils for a vegetarian twist
Spice it up: Use hot Rotel, extra jalapeños, or cayenne pepper
Bake it: Top with cheese and bake until bubbly

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave
Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce

Best Pasta Shapes for Creamy Sauces

While rotini is the go-to, you can also use:

Penne
Rigatoni
Fusilli
Cavatappi

Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or linguine—they don’t hold the sauce as well.

Pro Tips for Creamy Perfection

Always save some pasta water—it’s liquid gold for sauce
Don’t boil the cheese—melt it gently over low heat
Season every layer, especially the beef

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: It will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce
Adding cheese over high heat: This can cause the sauce to break
Under-seasoning: Use bold seasoning to balance the richness

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: ~650
Protein: 30g
Fat: 40g
Carbs: 35g

To lighten it up, you can use low-fat cheese, leaner meat, and less cream.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is leaner and works well as a substitute.

Is this dish spicy?
It can be, depending on the Rotel variety and jalapeños. Use mild if you’re spice-sensitive.

What can I use instead of Velveeta?
You can substitute with a mix of shredded cheddar and cream cheese, but it won’t be as smooth.

Can I freeze this?
Freezing isn’t ideal because the creamy sauce may separate, but it can be done in a pinch.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or add a bit more shredded cheese.

Is it gluten-free?
Not as-is, but you can use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your seasonings and cheese are GF.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef is comfort food at its finest—rich, spicy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make it for your family on a busy night or bring it to your next potluck, it’s sure to be a hit.