Description
Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering cheesy beef taco pasta, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 1 pack Velveeta cheese (block)
- Handful sharp cheddar cheese
Starches and Base:
- 1 box small shells pasta
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 packs taco seasoning
- 1 can original Rotel
- 12 cup (120 milliliters) milk
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete rendering of excess fat for optimal texture.
- Simultaneously prepare a pot of boiling water and cook small pasta shells until perfectly al dente, then carefully drain and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce cubed Velveeta cheese into the cooked beef, gently stirring while gradually incorporating milk to create a silky, uniform cheese sauce.
- Transfer drained pasta shells into the beef and cheese mixture, meticulously folding to guarantee even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout the skillet and pour entire contents of Rotel tomatoes, including liquid, blending comprehensively to infuse robust flavor profiles.
- Enhance the dish’s complexity by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the existing sauce.
- Transfer immediately to serving dishes while piping hot, presenting a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta experience with a delightful southwestern twist.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and maintain perfect texture.
- For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for protein.
- Keep extra milk nearby to adjust sauce consistency if needed, ensuring creamy and smooth results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg