Description
Mexican-inspired taco pasta delivers a zesty one-pot meal packed with ground beef, peppers, and cheese. Families will savor this quick, comforting dinner that combines familiar flavors in a satisfying skillet experience you can enjoy in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85% lean)
- 4 oz (113 g) velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100 g) monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
- 0.5 lb (227 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 oz (28 g) taco seasoning packet
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz/283 g) can rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Instructions
- Cheese Preparation: Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack at room temperature to ensure smooth melting during sauce creation.
- Meat Cooking: Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles and draining excess fat completely.
- Flavor Building: Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, creating an aromatic base for the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Liquid Foundation: Combine taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chicken and beef broths, milk, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies to develop a complex, zesty liquid mixture.
- Pasta Integration: Add medium pasta shells to the seasoned liquid, simmer covered while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until shells reach optimal tenderness and absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat, gradually incorporate shredded cheeses and Velveeta cubes, stirring constantly to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that completely envelops the pasta.
- Final Touch: Allow mixture to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and sauce slightly thicken, then serve hot with optional fresh herb garnish or additional cheese sprinkle.
Notes
- Grate Cheese at Room Temperature: Softened cheddar and Monterey Jack melt more evenly, creating a smoother, more luxurious cheese sauce.
- Brown Meat Thoroughly: Properly caramelizing ground beef develops deep, rich flavors and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
- Layer Flavor Strategically: Sautéing garlic in butter creates a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste profile of the taco pasta.
- Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir shells midway through cooking to avoid clumping and ensure each piece is perfectly cooked and sauce-coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg