Rotel Pasta – Cheesy, Spicy & Crowd‑Pleasing
A creamy pasta dish loaded with seasoned beef, Velveeta, and Rotel tomatoes.
Introduction
Rotel pasta is a Tex‑Mex inspired dish that combines pasta, ground beef, Velveeta cheese, and Rotel tomatoes for a creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal. It’s quick to make, generously portioned, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 (16 oz) blocks Velveeta cheese (one white, one regular)
2 cans Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
1 box penne pasta
Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and Slap Ya Mama (or your favorite Cajun seasoning)
Optional: splash of milk if sauce is too thick
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Prepare penne according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Brown Beef: In a skillet, season and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Rotel: Stir in Rotel tomatoes with their juices.
Melt Cheese: Cube Velveeta and add to skillet. Stir until melted and creamy.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheesy beef mixture. Stir until well coated.
Adjust: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk.
Serve: Enjoy hot — it makes a generous batch!
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Tips for Success
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
Swap penne for shells or rotini — their shape holds sauce beautifully.
Add jalapeños or extra cayenne for more heat.
Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk when warming to restore creaminess.
Fun Variations
Chicken Rotel Pasta: Substitute ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Veggie Boost: Add corn, bell peppers, or spinach.
Extra Cheesy: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack before serving.
Baked Version: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Storytelling Element
Picture a big skillet of bubbling Rotel pasta — creamy cheese sauce clinging to every bite of pasta, seasoned beef adding richness, and the Rotel tomatoes bringing just the right kick. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at the table.
Conclusion
This Rotel Pasta is quick, filling, and irresistibly cheesy. Perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.