Description
This Creamy Rotel Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender pasta combined with savory ground meat, creamy sour cream, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
Other
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix in Dairy and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream, along with half of the shredded cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack cheese until well combined.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is coated with the creamy tomato and cheese mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or vice versa based on preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- The recipe can be prepared a day ahead; just assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
