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Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 71 reviews

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta recipe combines savory ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with Monterey Jack and mild cheddar. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it blends Tex-Mex flavors with comforting pasta in a skillet for a delicious one-pot meal.

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

Tomato and Broth

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Liquids for Cooking Pasta

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (divided)
  • 1 cup water

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 oz shell pasta
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in ground cumin, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the tomato paste to caramelize lightly.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, 1 cup of the whole milk, and water. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the shell pasta directly into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Add Remaining Milk and Cheese: Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup milk, Monterey Jack cheese, and mild cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese fully melts and creates a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
  6. Final Touches and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta hot, garnished with optional toppings like chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

  • Use Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies for authentic flavor, but substitute with regular diced tomatoes and a pinch of chili powder if unavailable.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
  • This dish can be adapted with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
  • Adding the cheese at the end prevents it from curdling and ensures a creamy consistency.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Keywords: cheesy beef taco pasta, taco pasta recipe, beef pasta skillet, easy weeknight dinner, Tex-Mex pasta

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