Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy, melty cheese and tender pasta for a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s an easy one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 ½ cups whole milk, divided
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz shell pasta
• 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the ground beef, ground cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Cook and stir until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and 1 cup of whole milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the shell pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is tender, following timing suggestions on the pasta package.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the Monterey jack cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and the remaining ½ cup of whole milk. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For the best flavor, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
• There’s no need to add extra salt since the beef broth already provides enough seasoning.
• Reserve half a cup of whole milk to add at the end to keep the dish creamy and smooth when melting the cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover cheesy beef taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work. Small shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk for a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cheese to make this dish suitable for lactose intolerance or a dairy-free diet, though the texture and flavor will vary.