Rotel pasta with beef cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Hearty pasta with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and creamy cheese in a flavorful sauce.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 16 ounces penne pasta
02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
03 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 - 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with chilies, including liquid
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

→ Sauce Components

07 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
08 - 1 cup beef stock
09 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - 1 teaspoon garlic salt
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

17 - Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and ground beef, breaking the meat apart. Cook 5-7 minutes until beef is browned and onions are softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with chilies including liquid, beef stock, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low and fold in grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
06 - Add the cooked penne to the sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
07 - Plate immediately and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - This dish offers a rich, creamy texture with a balanced spicy tang from the diced tomatoes and chili seasoning.