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Crock Pot Rotel Pasta

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
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
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.