Taco Pasta - (One Pot!) (Print Version)

Creamy one-pot taco pasta packed with bold spices, cheese, and tender pasta shells.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

01 - 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
03 - 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes (approximately 1/3 cup or substitute with 3/4 cup shredded cheese)

→ Proteins

04 - 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 Tablespoon butter
06 - 2 cloves minced garlic
07 - 1 oz packet taco seasoning
08 - 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup beef broth
11 - 1 cup chicken broth
12 - 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

→ Vegetables

13 - 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

→ Pasta

14 - 1/2 lb medium pasta shells

# Instructions:

01 - Shred the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses from a block and set aside. Ensure they are near room temperature before incorporating into the sauce.
02 - Cook and crumble the ground beef in a high-walled pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain the grease once browned.
03 - Melt the butter in the same pot and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, whole milk, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook according to the pasta package instructions, stirring with a silicone spatula halfway through to prevent ingredients from settling at the bottom.
06 - Remove the cover and check if the pasta is cooked thoroughly. Taste a noodle and, if needed, continue cooking until the desired doneness is achieved.
07 - Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheese until completely melted and smooth.
08 - Let the sauce thicken as it stands. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce. Serve immediately once the desired consistency is reached.

# Notes:

01 - Shredding cheese from a block ensures smoother melting compared to pre-shredded options.
02 - The sauce will thicken as it sits, so keep this in mind when determining serving consistency.