Inspired by a Rotel pasta I saw somewhere on Facebook! But I didn’t use any Rotel lol it was delicious!
Ground beef
Velveeta
Heavy cream
Cream of mushroom
Bell peppers and onions
Rotini
Seasoning of choice
Creamy Beef and Velveeta Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 block (16 ounces) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (assorted colors)
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon your favorite seasoning blend (such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Creamy Elements: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, heavy cream, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Seasoning: Mix in your chosen seasoning blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef and cheese mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional seasonings if desired.
- Enjoy: Dig in and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of this inspired pasta bake!
Feel free to customize the recipe further based on your preferences. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta based on your preference. Penne, fusilli, or macaroni would work well with the creamy beef and Velveeta mixture.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another meat or meat alternative?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold when it goes into the oven.
Q: Can I freeze the Creamy Beef and Velveeta Pasta Bake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the instructions.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to this pasta bake?
A: You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. Just ensure they are cooked or blanched before incorporating them into the dish.
Q: Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?
A: If you prefer, you can substitute Velveeta with an equal amount of shredded processed cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a similar creamy texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the result may be slightly less rich. Coconut milk can also be used for a dairy-free alternative.
Q: What sides would go well with this pasta bake?
A: A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables would complement this dish nicely. Choose sides based on your personal preferences.
Q: How long does the leftovers last, and how should I store them?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture to increase the spiciness according to your taste.
