Crock Pot Rotel Pasta

This Crock Pot Rotel Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dinner made with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheddar. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker for an easy family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Crock Pot Rotel Pasta

Make this easy Crock Pot Rotel Pasta with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and penne for a creamy slow cooker dinner everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 560

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 10-ounce cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, cheddar cheese soup, cream cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3½ to 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
7. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.
9. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

• Browning the beef first gives the best flavor.
• Stir the pasta once or twice during the final cooking time if possible.
• If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, stir in a little warm beef broth.
• Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
• Mild or hot Rotel can be used depending on your preferred spice level.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
• Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
• Mix in black beans or corn for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Cornbread
• Steamed green beans

Tips

• Add the pasta only during the final 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
• Freeze the meat sauce separately for best texture.
• Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings

Serves: 8 people

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 31g
• Sodium: 920mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Rotini, medium shells, cavatappi, or rigatoni all work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different pasta shapes may cook a little faster or slower.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Use mild Rotel tomatoes or substitute them with regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes. If you want more control over the texture, cook the pasta on the stovetop and stir it into the slow cooker just before serving.

Can I freeze Crock Pot Rotel Pasta?

You can freeze the meat and cheese sauce for up to 3 months. For the best texture, cook fresh pasta when reheating instead of freezing it with the sauce.

Why is my sauce too thick?

The pasta continues to absorb liquid after cooking. Stir in warm beef broth, milk, or heavy cream until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the richest flavor, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are also great choices.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Rotel Pasta is an easy comfort food recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor. It’s a simple slow cooker dinner the whole family will love, with plenty of leftovers for another delicious meal.