Description
A simple, comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly and pleases both picky eaters and adults alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (Feel free to use any pasta shape you love.)
Meat
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be swapped for canola oil if preferred.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can kick it up a notch.)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Replace with finely diced fresh onion for extra texture.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
- 1 tsp Pepper (Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (If unavailable, use plain diced tomatoes with spices.)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Consider sour cream for a tangy twist.)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.)
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up and cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cut the cream cheese into pieces and add it to the skillet. Stir gently until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American