Slow Cooker Rotel Pasta

Rotel Pasta in a white bowl on a cloth napkin with wooden grinders and tomatoes in the background.

Seasoned ground beef simmers in a creamy Rotel cheese sauce with cheddar, Velveeta, and cream cheese before getting tossed with cavatappi pasta.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Rotel pasta

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 5 15

Servings: servings

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 small onion diced
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
10 ounces Rotel Original undrained
2 cups beef broth
10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
8 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed
4 ounces cream cheese cubed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
12 ounces cavatappi pasta
2 Tablespoons green onions chopped

Instructions

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add the diced onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease.
Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the Rotel, beef broth, cheddar cheese soup, Velveeta, and cream cheese, and stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once or twice, until the cheeses have melted into a smooth sauce.
Meanwhile, cook the cavatappi according to the package directions until al dente, then drain.
Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and the pasta is fully coated.
Cover and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days, and add a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.

This recipe is not recommended for freezing, since the cheese sauce can turn grainy once thawed.

Use mild, original, or hot Rotel depending on how much spice your family prefers.

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the ground beef. Rotini, shells, or campanelle can be substituted for cavatappi.

Nutrition

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.

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