Rotel Pasta Fiesta

Directions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Ground Chuck: In a large skillet, cook the ground chuck over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Sauté Veggies: Add the chopped onions and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the meat. Sauté them until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
  4. Add Rotel & Seasonings: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes (with juice) and all the seasonings (season salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, and Accent). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat and add the cubed Velveeta and Blanco Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine with the cheese sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
  8. Melt Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for a few minutes until the shredded cheese melts.
  9. Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and spicy Rotel pasta delight!

Prep and Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Info:

  • Calories: 690 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 6 servings

Variations:

  1. Protein Alternatives: Swap ground chuck for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different protein flavor.
  2. Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or using spicy Velveeta cheese. For less spice, opt for mild Rotel tomatoes or reduce the amount of Slap Ya Mama seasoning.
  3. Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground meat and add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
  4. Cheese Variety: Use different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variation in the cheesy sauce.

Tips:

  • To avoid a greasy dish: Make sure to drain the ground chuck well before adding vegetables and Rotel tomatoes.
  • For extra creaminess: You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or even sour cream for a richer flavor.
  • Make it ahead: This dish reheats well, so feel free to make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat on low to avoid overcooking the pasta.
  • Toppings: Consider topping the dish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or even some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Enjoy your creamy and spicy Rotel pasta fiesta!

Leave a Comment