Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 2 tsp ground cumin
03 - 1 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
04 - 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
06 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
07 - 1 cup beef broth
08 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
09 - 1 cup water
10 - 8 oz shell pasta
11 - 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
12 - 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine ground beef, ground cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Mince and stir until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and 1 cup of whole milk. Stir ingredients together and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
03 - Add shell pasta and simmer on medium-low heat until the pasta is cooked. Refer to your pasta package for specific cooking times.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in Monterey jack cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and the remaining 1/2 cup of whole milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and the taco pasta is fully combined.
05 - Serve while warm.

# Notes:

01 - Shred your own cheese for best results.
02 - No additional salt is needed as the beef broth provides sufficient seasoning.
03 - Reserve 1/2 cup of whole milk to ensure the pasta stays smooth and creamy when melting the cheese.
04 - Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.