Rotel dip pasta🤩

Here’s a more detailed version of the Rotel Dip Pasta recipe with even more step-by-step instructions for precision.

Rotel Dip Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (you can substitute with ground sausage for extra flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 can (10 oz) fire-roasted Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained)
  • 1/4 block (2 oz) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 block (8 oz) Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes for easy melting
  • 1/4 cup milk, add more if you prefer a thinner sauce
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini)
  • Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or any Cajun seasoning blend)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  • Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically 10-12 minutes for al dente.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • When done, drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve a small cup of pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
  1. Brown the Ground Beef (or Sausage):
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or sautĂ© pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook for about 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns.
  • Continue cooking until no pink remains, and the meat is browned and crumbly.
  • If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
  1. Cook the Vegetables:
  • To the same skillet with the browned meat, add the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper.
  • Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, and the bell pepper is tender.
  • You want the vegetables to blend smoothly into the sauce, so cook them until they almost “melt” into the meat.
  1. Add the Rotel:
  • Stir in the can of fire-roasted Rotel, including all the juices from the can. The liquid helps flavor the sauce and keeps it from becoming too thick.
  • Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes and chilies to incorporate into the meat and vegetable mixture.
  1. Melt the Cheeses:
  • Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Stir gently until both cheeses are completely melted and create a smooth, creamy sauce. This may take 5-7 minutes.
  • Ensure there are no lumps from the cream cheese by stirring continuously.
  • Once the cheese is fully melted, gradually add the milk to the skillet, starting with 1/4 cup. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more milk, up to 1/2 cup total.
  1. Season the Sauce:
  • Now, it’s time to season the sauce. Add the Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or your chosen Cajun seasoning), cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir well to combine, and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning based on your preference for spice and flavor.
  1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the cheesy Rotel sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is well-coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  1. Serve:
  • Serve the Rotel Dip Pasta immediately while it’s hot. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, or even sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra indulgence.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

Optional Add-ins:

  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Some versions swap out the cream cheese and add a can of cream of mushroom soup instead, giving the dish a heartier, earthier flavor. If using, add the soup at the same time as the Velveeta cheese.
  • Additional Veggies: You can add diced mushrooms, spinach, or even corn to bulk up the dish with more vegetables.
  • Spicy Kick: For extra heat, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or add some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Rotel Dip Pasta! It’s the perfect mix of a classic dip and a comforting pasta dish.

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