This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. Think taco night meets creamy mac and cheese—all made in about 30 minutes. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese, this taco hamburger helper–style dish is easy, filling, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
1 lb ground beef
2 tsp ground cumin
1½ tsp dried minced onion
1½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel preferred)
1 cup beef broth
1½ cups whole milk, divided
1 cup water
8 oz shell pasta
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Cook the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef, cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, 1 cup of the milk, and water. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Pasta
Add the shell pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (check pasta package for timing).
Make It Cheesy
Lower the heat to low. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and remaining ½ cup milk. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve
Serve warm and enjoy while the pasta is perfectly cheesy and comforting.
Adjust thickness by adding a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick.
Spice it up with chili powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce.
Add toppings like chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Find it online: https://biteseason.com/cheesy-beef-taco-pasta-recipe/