Cheesy Queso Taco Pasta

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🌮🧀 Cheesy Queso Taco Pasta

⭐ What to Expect:

A fusion of tacos and pasta, with taco-seasoned beef, cheesy queso sauce, and tender pasta all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the main dish:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – see below)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)

• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)

• 2 cups dry pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work best)

• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese

• 4 oz Velveeta or processed cheese (optional, but makes it extra creamy)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Sour cream

• Chopped cilantro

• Sliced green onions

• Diced avocado

• Jalapeños

• Crushed tortilla chips

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🌮 Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional substitute for packet)

Mix together:

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp oregano

• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5–6 minutes).

3. Add the onion and sauté until translucent (about 2–3 minutes).

4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

6. Stir in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and cumin (if using).

7. Add the Rotel (with juices) and stir to combine.

8. Pour in the beef broth and pasta. Stir everything together.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

9. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

10. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

✅ Tip: If it looks dry, add a splash of broth or water.

Step 4: Make it Cheesy

11. Stir in the milk.

12. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella/pepper jack, and Velveeta, if using) until melted and smooth.

13. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

14. Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.

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🧊 Storage & Reheat Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

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🔄 Variations

• Vegetarian: Use black beans or crumbled tofu instead of meat.

• Spicy: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

• Creamier: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese at the end.

• One-pot version with queso dip: Swap the cheese blend for 1 cup prepared queso dip for a shortcut.

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