Description
A comforting dish featuring creamy pasta enveloped in a zesty sauce with ground beef, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasonings: Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the Rotel, softened cream cheese, and beef broth to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a rich sauce. Add more broth if it’s too thick.
- Combine and Heat: Fold the cooked macaroni into the sauce along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts, then cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Dish out the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with cilantro or parsley. Enjoy hot.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time; prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta shortly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, ground beef, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal