Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 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, stirring and breaking up the beef, until fully cooked. 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 well and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the shell pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the pasta is tender, following the package cooking time as a guide.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and remaining 1/2 cup of whole milk. Mix until the cheeses melt and the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta warm for a comforting and hearty meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder with the spices.
• Swap shell pasta for elbow macaroni or penne if preferred.
• Use a mix of spicy and mild cheeses to adjust heat and richness.
• Add chopped cilantro or fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 or broth if the pasta has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute and will still absorb the taco spices nicely.

Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, jalapeños, or using spicy cheese varieties.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 211 reviews

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices, tender shell pasta, and a rich blend of melted Monterey jack and mild cheddar cheeses. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish delivers all the zest of taco night in a creamy pasta form that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Beef and Seasoning

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Sauce and Pasta

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (divided)
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz shell pasta

Cheese

• 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Cook the beef and seasonings: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef along with ground cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Cook the mixture thoroughly, breaking the beef apart and stirring until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and 1 cup of whole milk. Mix well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat to develop flavors.
3. Cook the pasta: Add the shell pasta to the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through according to the package instructions, typically around 8–12 minutes.
4. Incorporate cheese and remaining milk: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Monterey jack cheese, shredded mild cheddar cheese, and the remaining 1/2 cup of whole milk. Continue stirring gently until all the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is creamy and well-blended.
5. Serve warm: Once the cheese has melted and the pasta is fully coated and creamy, remove the pot from heat. Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta immediately while it’s warm and delicious.

Notes

• For spicier flavor, use a hot diced tomatoes with green chilies variety or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Whole milk adds richness but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
• Be sure to drain excess fat from cooked beef to keep the final dish from being too greasy.
• Using shredded cheeses that melt well helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
• You can garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness.

Keywords: taco pasta, cheesy beef pasta, one pot pasta, ground beef recipes, easy dinner, Mexican-inspired pasta