Rotel Pasta Fiesta Bowl (Print-Friendly Version)

Hearty Tex-Mex pasta with ground meat, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar, and a creamy fiesta-style sauce.

# Ingredients List:

→ Main

01 - 340 g penne or rotini pasta
02 - 450 g ground beef or ground turkey
03 - 284 g canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
04 - 240 ml heavy cream
05 - 115 g shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 5 g taco seasoning
07 - 2.5 g garlic powder
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef or turkey. Sauté until fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, heavy cream, taco seasoning, and garlic powder to the browned meat. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir gently until melted and the sauce is creamy.
06 - Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if using, and serve hot.

# Extra Tips:

01 - To save time, cook the pasta and brown the meat in advance and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
02 - For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked black beans and corn in place of meat.
03 - Shredded cooked chicken or firm tofu can be used as alternative protein sources.
04 - Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.