Description
A creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with tender pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this Taco Pasta is a family favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 3/4 cup shredded cheese)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 lb medium pasta shells (or other short pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and set aside to bring to room temperature.
- Cook the Beef: In a large, high-walled pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Melt the butter in the pot, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, milk, and Rotel tomatoes.
- Add Pasta: Bring to a gentle boil, then add pasta and submerge it in the liquid. Cover and cook according to pasta package instructions, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Check Pasta Doneness: Remove the cover and test pasta for doneness. If needed, cook a bit longer until it reaches your desired texture.
- Add Cheese: Turn the heat to low. Gradually stir in the cheeses until melted and creamy. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy taco pasta!
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy taco seasoning or add jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg