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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/cheesy-beef-taco-pasta-recipe/