Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of tacos and pasta in one hearty meal.
The creamy, melty Velveeta cheese combines perfectly with taco seasoning, ground beef, and tangy Rotel, all tossed with tender small shells pasta.
It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, blending cheesy goodness with a zesty taco kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta because it combines two beloved comfort foods—tacos and pasta—into one irresistible dish.
The rich, creamy Velveeta cheese creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and ground beef, while the taco seasoning adds a zesty, savory kick.
With the added warmth of Rotel and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is full of bold flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s quick, easy, and satisfying for any occasion.
Key Ingredients:
Ground beef
Small shell pasta
Velveeta cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese
Taco seasoning
Rotel (original)
Milk
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
Ingredients:
3 pounds ground beef
1 box of small shells
1 pack of Velveeta cheese
Handful of sharp cheddar cheese
2 packs of taco seasoning
1 can of original Rotel
1/2 cup of milk
Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water for the small shells. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
Melt the Velveeta: Cut the Velveeta into chunks and place it in the pan where you cooked the beef.
Add the milk and stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked shells to the melted cheese mixture, then stir in the browned beef.
Add Seasoning and Rotel: Mix in the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel. Stir everything together well.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture and stir until it melts and combines.
Serve: Once everything is mixed and melted, serve the cheesy beef taco pasta hot!
Notes:
Cheese Varieties: You can customize the cheeses used in this recipe. While Velveeta creates a smooth, creamy texture, adding more sharp cheddar or even Monterey Jack can give the dish a unique flavor profile.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a spicier Rotel variety (e.g., the one with green chiles) or by adding extra chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Pasta Alternatives: Small shells are perfect for this dish, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni or penne.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Toppings: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or sliced olives after serving.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 600 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 3 g | Fat: 35 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Cholesterol: 75 mg | Sodium: 800 mg | Potassium: 300 mg | Calcium: 200 mg | Iron: 3 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While small shells work great to hold the cheesy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious with the taco seasoning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time.
After assembling, cover it and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a bit more milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or vegetarian taco crumbles.
The rest of the ingredients, including the cheese and taco seasoning, remain the same.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, you can add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef and cheese mixture.
You can also use spicy taco seasoning or choose a spicier variety of Rotel (such as the hot version) for an extra kick.
What should I do if the cheese doesn’t melt smoothly?
If the Velveeta cheese doesn’t melt smoothly, try adding a little more milk and heating it over low heat while stirring continuously.
This helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Can I skip draining the ground beef?
It’s important to drain the ground beef after browning it to remove excess fat.
Skipping this step may make the dish too greasy.
Can I use pre-cooked pasta instead of boiling fresh pasta?
If you’re using pre-cooked pasta, be sure to add it to the cheese sauce and beef mixture just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
You can skip boiling the pasta altogether if it’s already cooked.
How can I adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce if it’s too thick?
If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I make this dish without the taco seasoning?
While the taco seasoning is key to the flavor of this dish, you can substitute it with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if needed.
Adjust the spices to your taste.