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Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  • 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.

Notes

  • 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.