Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Looking for a dish that combines the comforting flavors of tacos with the heartiness of pasta? Look no further than this delightful Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta recipe. A true crowd-pleaser, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Picture this: tender pasta shells coated in a smooth and creamy sauce made from a blend of Velveeta cheese, sharp cheddar, and zesty taco seasoning. The addition of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies gives this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta a flavorful kick that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Tex-Mex dishes or simply looking for a quick and easy meal to satisfy your cravings, this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy the delicious combination of cheesy goodness and classic taco flavors in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Small pasta shells absorb the sauce well and hold up to the hearty beef and cheese blend.
• Velveeta ensures maximum creaminess for a rich and indulgent sauce.
• Ground turkey can be a lighter alternative to ground beef without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable spice level with the option to choose mild or hot Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe Recipe

• This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
• The combination of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies with Velveeta cheese creates a smooth and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• The dish is simple and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to four days and reheat easily in the microwave. Just add a splash of milk to rejuvenate the creamy sauce.
• The recipe offers versatility with ingredient substitutions like using cream cheese instead of Velveeta or ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Topping suggestions like green onions, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or pickled jalapenos add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• The Tex Mex flavors combined with classic taco ingredients in a cheesy pasta format make this dish a comforting and familiar yet exciting meal.
• Small pasta shells are the perfect choice for this recipe as they absorb the sauce well and provide a sturdy base for the beef and cheese blend.
• Velveeta cheese ensures a maximum level of creaminess in the dish, elevating it to comfort food perfection.
• The option to customize the level of spiciness by choosing mild, original, or hot Rotel diced tomatoes allows for a personalized flavor experience.

Ingredients for Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Protein

• 3 pounds ground beef

Pasta

• 1 box small pasta shells

Dairy

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 handful sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 block Velveeta cheese

Seasoning

• 2 packs taco seasoning

Vegetables

• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies

Pro Tips for Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta, consider adding a cup of corn kernels or black beans in cooler weather for extra texture and taste. In the summer, fresh diced tomatoes and bell peppers can bring brightness to the dish. For a festive touch on Taco Tuesday, serve with avocado slices and a lime wedge.

Pro Tip 2: Small pasta shells work best for this recipe as they absorb the sauce well and provide a sturdy base for the beef and cheese. If Velveeta is not available, a mix of cream cheese and sharp cheddar can be used for a similar creamy texture. To lighten the dish, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef.

Pro Tip 3: When reheating leftovers, do so gently in short bursts in the microwave. If the sauce needs loosening up, simply add a splash of milk to restore the creaminess. Feel free to top your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta with diced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or pickled jalapenos for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the small pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In the skillet with the cooked beef, mix Velveeta cheese and whole milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and a smooth sauce forms.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Cheese Sauce

Combine the drained pasta shells and browned ground beef with the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Add the taco seasoning packets and Rotel with its juices. Stir well to distribute the seasonings and tomatoes evenly.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheddar

Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture and stir until fully melted and combined.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the hot, cheesy taco pasta into bowls and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta, ensure that it has cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, use the microwave in short bursts and consider adding a splash of milk to help loosen up the sauce if needed. This will help maintain the creamy texture and flavors of the dish when enjoying leftovers.

If Velveeta cheese is not available, you can substitute it with cream cheese and extra sharp cheddar to achieve a similar creamy texture. Additionally, if small pasta shells are not on hand, rotini, elbows, or penne can be used as alternative options. For a lighter twist, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Feel free to customize the dish with toppings like diced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or sliced pickled jalapenos for added crunch and flavor. The Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta can be a versatile and comforting meal, perfect for busy families and gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Velveeta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cream cheese combined with extra sharp cheddar for a similar creamy texture. This substitution will provide a firmer consistency but still deliver that cheesy goodness that the dish requires.

If small pasta shells are not available, you can opt for rotini, elbows, or penne as suitable replacements. These pasta shapes will also work well in absorbing the delicious sauce and holding up to the beef and cheese blend, maintaining the heartiness of the dish.

For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of ground beef. Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative while still providing a flavorful base for the dish. Additionally, you can customize the level of heat in the dish by choosing a mild or hot variety of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies based on your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive serving suggestion, try turning this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta into a build-your-own taco pasta bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of toppings like diced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and sliced pickled jalapenos. Let your guests customize their bowls with their favorite toppings for a personalized and interactive dining experience.

Another creative way to serve this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is to bake it in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a cute and portion-controlled presentation. Top each mini pasta bake with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar cheese before baking until bubbly and golden brown. Serve these adorable mini pasta bakes as a fun and delicious appetizer or main course for a cozy family dinner.

FAQs for Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a similar melting cheese like American cheese or a mix of cream cheese and extra sharp cheddar, but Velveeta ensures maximum creaminess in the sauce.

Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken in this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent alternatives to ground beef in this recipe, offering a lighter option without compromising on flavor.

How spicy is the dish with the original Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies? Can I adjust the heat level?

The original Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies provide a moderate kick of heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel based on your preference for spiciness.

How long can I store the leftovers of this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?

Leftovers of this dish can be refrigerated for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently and consider adding a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is truly a winning recipe that brings people together with its comforting flavors and simple preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The creamy combination of Velveeta and Rotel creates a deliciously smooth sauce that coats every bite of pasta and beef, making it hard to resist.

Don’t hesitate to customize this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta to suit your preferences or pantry staples. From swapping out ingredients to adding extra toppings like green onions or jalapenos, feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring the leftovers, this dish is bound to bring joy to your table time and time again. Embrace the Tex-Mex vibes of this dish and let the cheesy goodness of Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta elevate your next meal!