The Cheesy Comfort That Started It All
The first time I made this pasta, my kitchen smelled like a Tex-Mex dream. Melty cheese, spicy tomatoes, and sizzling beef filled the air. My family hovered near the stove, forks ready. Ever wondered how you could turn pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser in 30 minutes? This dish answers that. One bite, and you’ll taste why it’s my go-to for busy nights.My First Queso Pasta Disaster (And What It Taught Me)
I once forgot to drain the beef fat—greasy pasta isn’t a vibe. Lesson learned! But even messy tries can lead to delicious wins. Cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeding people you love. Now I keep paper towels nearby for quick fixes. Share your own kitchen oops in the comments!Why This Pasta Works Every Time
– The salsa con queso clings to every noodle, making each bite creamy. – Rotel’s tangy heat cuts through the richness just right. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Try it with extra chili powder if you love kick.A Little Backstory on This Weeknight Hero
This dish blends Tex-Mex flair with pantry-friendly ease. Think 1990s busy moms meeting border-town flavors. *Did you know Rotel debuted in the 1940s as a “Mexican-style” staple?* Now it’s a fridge essential. Poll: Do you prefer it mild or spicy?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rotini pasta | 1 lb | |
| Ground beef | 1 lb | |
| Salsa con queso | 15 oz | |
| Original Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) | 10 oz can | undrained |
| Finely shredded Mexican blend cheese | 6 oz | use as desired |
| Salt, pepper, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder | To taste | for seasoning beef |
| Parsley | Optional | for garnish |
Easy Weeknight Queso Pasta
Step 1 Boil the rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain it but keep a bit of pasta water. This helps later if the sauce gets too thick. Set aside.
Step 2 Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small bits as it cooks. Drain excess fat but leave a little for flavor.
Step 3 Add Rotel and salsa con queso to the beef. Stir until bubbly. (Hard-learned tip: Warm the queso jar in hot water first—it pours smoother.)
Step 4 Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. Garnish with parsley if you like. What’s your go-to pasta shape for saucy dishes? Share below!
Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: 8 servings Category: Dinner, Pasta
3 Fun Twists on Queso Pasta
Vegetarian Swap beef for black beans or sautéed mushrooms. Adds heartiness without meat.
Spicy Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Turn up the heat!
Breakfast Style Top with a fried egg and crumbled bacon. Perfect for brinner. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas for Queso Pasta
Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Add extra toppings like avocado or sour cream. For drinks, try a cold Mexican beer or limeade. Both balance the rich cheese. Which would you choose tonight?
Leftovers Made Easy
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Freeze portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before warming. *Fun fact*: This dish tastes even better the next day! Batch-cook and freeze half for busy nights. Why this matters: Meal prep saves time and cuts stress. Ever tried doubling the recipe for a crowd?Quick Fixes for Common Hiccups
Too thick? Stir in a little broth or milk until saucy. Cheese clumping? Remove from heat before adding shredded cheese. Bland? Boost flavor with extra cumin or a pinch of cayenne. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big differences. Share your favorite fix in the comments! Did your family gobble it up or ask for seconds?Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap rotini for gluten-free pasta—cook it al dente to avoid mush.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this?
A: Assemble everything but the shredded cheese; add it when reheating.
Q: Any veggie swaps for beef?
A: Try lentils or mushrooms for a meatless twist.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes! Adjust cook times slightly for smaller batches.
Q: What other cheeses work?
A: Pepper jack or cheddar add nice heat or mildness.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
This cheesy pasta is a weeknight hero in my house. Hope it becomes one in yours too!Tag @SpoonSway on Pinterest with your creations—I’d love to see them. Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Quick Skillet Queso Pasta Dinner
Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with ground beef, salsa con queso, and Rotel tomatoes for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, over medium heat, add ground beef and break it up (Season beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder).
- Cook beef until done and drain off the fat.
- Pour in Rotel tomatoes (undrained) and salsa con queso sauce. Stir to combine.
- Stir in cooked pasta until coated.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. (Use as much as you desire)
- Sprinkle with parsley to garnish (optional but it adds a nice pop of color).
- Taste and add additional spices if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
Pasta, Queso, Beef, Skillet, Dinner