Taco Shells and Cheese Recipe

This rich Taco Shells and Cheese is made with ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and mini pasta shells. This recipe creates a savory and comforting main course, with all the familiar flavors of a taco in a satisfying pasta dish. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner for the family, with a recipe that serves six people.

Taco Shells and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, such as Rotel
• 8 ounces mini pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro

How To Make Taco Shells and Cheese

1. Cook the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir the taco seasoning mix and salt into the cooked ground beef. Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer while you prepare the sauce.
3. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a separate medium saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until no lumps remain. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, a handful at a time. Whisk continuously until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Cook the pasta: While the sauce and meat simmer, cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
6. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and the seasoned ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best, creamiest cheese sauce, grate the cheddar cheese yourself from a block.
• Adjust Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta to a perfect al dente, which means it has a slight chew to it. Since you’ll be mixing it with the sauce, this prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Drain the Meat Well: This step is crucial. Draining the excess grease from the ground beef ensures your final dish isn’t oily and the flavors are clean.

What To Serve Taco Shells and Cheese

This hearty pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides. A side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would be a great contrast to the rich and savory pasta. For a fun, Tex-Mex inspired meal, serve with a side of chips and salsa or a dollop of fresh guacamole.

How To Store Taco Shells and Cheese Leftovers

• This recipe makes for excellent leftovers that can be reheated easily.
• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the container and microwave until warmed through, or reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove.
• Freeze: This dish does not freeze well. The sauce may separate upon thawing, and the pasta can become mushy. It is best to enjoy this dish fresh or as refrigerated leftovers.

Taco Shells and Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 1150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this with a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute mini pasta shells with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and combine as directed in the recipe.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. While cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack to change the flavor profile. Make sure to use cheeses that melt well for a smooth sauce.
• Can I make this in one pot? This recipe is designed for two pots to ensure a perfect sauce consistency. While it’s possible to try a one-pot method by adding the flour directly to the meat and then the milk, it can be more challenging to get a smooth, lump-free sauce. Using separate pans ensures the best result.

Try More Recipes:

• Taco Soup Recipe
• Taco Tomatoes Recipe
• Tamale Pie Recipe