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Rotel Pasta Fiesta

Creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta for a Flavorful Family Night

This Creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta combines Velveeta cheese and Rotel tomatoes for a delicious family dinner that satisfies everyone's taste.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or ziti.
For the Meats
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Try ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Ground Sausage Use Italian sausage for extra zest or omit for a milder dish.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots are a great substitute.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Swap for green bell for a sharper flavor.
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper Can be replaced with another colored bell pepper.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Rotel Tomatoes (undrained) Regular diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
  • 16 oz Velveeta Cheese Substitute with shredded sharp cheddar mixed with heavy cream.
  • 1 cup Milk Almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Feel free to omit if using fresh onions.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Swap in fresh garlic, sautéed with onions, for more robust flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add onion and garlic powders to the meat and veggie mixture. Stir to mix evenly and cook together for 1 additional minute.
  4. Stir in undrained Rotel tomatoes, milk, and Velveeta cheese. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and stir occasionally until cheese melts and sauce is creamy, about 5-6 minutes.
  5. Once the sauce is smooth, add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir until all pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Use undrained Rotel tomatoes for better flavor and creaminess. Adjust spice levels based on your preference and consider adding extra veggies for nutrition.

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