Taco Pasta

 

Taco Pasta 

*from thecozycook.com

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes (equal to 1/3 cup)* can sub with ¾ cup shredded cheese
  • 1 lb. Ground Beef, 85% lean
  • 1 Tablespoon Butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Whole milk, at room temp
  • 1 (10 oz.) can Rotel Tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • ½ lb. Medium pasta shells, see notes

Instructions

  • Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block and set aside. It should be near room temperature when added to the pasta sauce.
  • Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a high-walled pot or dutch oven. Drain grease.
  • Melt the butter in the same pot and add and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add all remaining ingredients except the cheese and pasta. Stir to combine.
  • Bring to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and submerge it in the liquid. Cover and cook according to package instructions. Slide a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot halfway through to lift any ingredients that may be settling to the bottom.
  • Remove cover and ensure the pasta is sufficiently cooked. Taste-test a noodle for doneness before proceeding If needed, cover and cook longer, until your desired doneness is obtained.
  • Turn heat to low. Gradually stir in cheese until melted.
  • There will be plenty of sauce but it will thicken upon standing and the pasta will continue to absorb it.
  • Serve once desired consistency is obtained.

Notes

Pro Tips
  • This recipe makes a lot of sauce, (which I love), feel free to use a little more than 1/2 lb. of pasta.
  • All chicken broth or all beef broth can be used instead of a combination if preferred.
  • The cheese options are very flexible. Shred them from a block for the creamiest consistency. Bagged shredded cheese doesn't melt as well.
  • Other types of pasta may also be used, refer to the box for cooking times. Examples include rotini,  penne, and bow tie pasta.
  • Diced or shredded chicken can also be used instead of ground beef. Mix it in at the end of cooking, boiling it with the pasta can make it tough.
  • Optional ingredient additions: Corn, bell peppers, black beans, jalapenos.


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