Taco Pasta in One Pot (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

01 - 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
02 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
03 - 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes

→ Proteins

04 - 1 lb Ground beef (85% lean)

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

05 - 2 cloves Garlic, minced
06 - 1 oz packet Taco seasoning
07 - 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Base Ingredients

08 - 1 Tablespoon Butter
09 - 2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
10 - 1 cup Beef broth
11 - 1 cup Chicken broth
12 - 1 cup Whole milk, at room temperature
13 - 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

→ Pasta

14 - ½ lb Medium pasta shells

# Instructions:

01 - Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block and set aside. Ensure it is near room temperature before adding to the sauce.
02 - Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a high-walled pot or Dutch oven. Drain grease.
03 - Melt the butter in the same pot and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, milk, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Add pasta and submerge it in the liquid. Cover and cook according to package instructions, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
06 - Remove cover and ensure the pasta is sufficiently cooked. Taste-test a noodle and, if needed, cover and cook longer until desired doneness is achieved.
07 - Turn heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cheese until fully melted.
08 - Let the dish sit briefly as the sauce thickens and is absorbed by the pasta. Serve once desired consistency is obtained.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe produces a generous amount of sauce. Feel free to adjust the pasta quantity for a thicker or saucier dish.
02 - Shred cheese blocks for the best melting consistency. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses as they may not melt well.
03 - Chicken broth or beef broth can be used exclusively if preferred.
04 - Alternative pasta types such as rotini, penne, or bow tie may be substituted. Follow the cooking times on the package.
05 - Optional additions include corn, bell peppers, black beans, or jalapenos.

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