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:
- 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.
- Brown the Ground Beef (or Sausage):
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or sauté 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.