Description
Comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors in this irresistible Creamy Taco Pasta dish that blends zesty spices with rich, velvety sauce. Loaded with ground beef, melted cheese, and a perfect balance of textures, you’ll crave this quick and satisfying meal that brings excitement to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 3/4 cup (180 ml) shredded cheese)
Meat and Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 pound (227 grams) medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 ounce (28 grams) packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 (10 ounce/283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by shredding cheeses and allowing them to reach room temperature. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, draining excess fat completely.
- Create the sauce foundation by gently melting butter and sautéing minced garlic for precisely 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour liquid ingredients into the skillet, combining them smoothly with the garlic butter mixture, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and simmer at medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low setting, gradually incorporate shredded cheeses into the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until cheeses melt completely and sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together. The resting period enhances the overall taste and texture of the creamy taco pasta.
Notes
- Shred cheeses ahead of time for smoother melting and even distribution throughout the dish.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier version of the pasta.
- Consider substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences or reduced fat content.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 605
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg