Cheesy Taco Shells: A Fun Homemade Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering taco shells & cheese recipe that blends zesty Mexican flavors with creamy pasta perfection.

Melted cheese cascades over crispy taco shells, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

Bold spices dance across each bite, promising an irresistible meal that breaks traditional culinary boundaries.

The combination sparks excitement for those seeking a quick and delicious dinner solution.

Weeknight meals never looked this exciting or tasted so incredible.

Hearty, satisfying, and simple to prepare, this dish delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Taco Shells & Cheese: What Goes In

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose enriched pasta for better texture and nutrition.
• Taco Shells: Adds crunchy Mexican-inspired twist, select fresh shells for maximum crispness.

• Ground Beef: Creates rich, savory protein layer, opt for lean cut to reduce excess grease.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better mineral depth.
• Spice Blend: Delivers zesty southwestern kick, freshly ground spices offer more vibrant taste.

• Cheese: Melts into silky smooth coating, select sharp cheddar for bold flavor intensity.
• Milk: Creates luxurious sauce base, whole milk provides richer consistency.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent, ensure fresh and clump-free for smooth sauce.
• Sodium Citrate: Stabilizes cheese sauce, helps prevent separation during melting.

• Lettuce: Offers fresh crisp base, choose crisp romaine for added crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bright color and tangy freshness, select ripe, firm tomatoes.

Taco Shells & Cheese: Cooking Tools

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space for water and noodles.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing spices evenly before seasoning beef.
• Slotted Spoon: Great for transferring cooked beef without excess grease.
• Whisk: Necessary for blending spices, creating smooth cheese sauce, and preventing lumps.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing garnish like cherry tomatoes.
• Knife: Needed for chopping tomatoes and preparing ingredients.

Taco Shells & Cheese: How to Make It

Taco Shells & Cheese Delight

• Boiling Water Preparation

Start by filling a large pot with water and add a sprinkle of salt, bringing it to a rolling boil.

• Spice Blend Creation

Mix your favorite spices in a small bowl, creating a fragrant and zesty seasoning combination.

• Beef Browning

In a spacious skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles and stirring in the spice mixture. Add a touch of water if the meat seems dry.

• Cheesy Sauce Magic

Create a smooth base by whisking flour with milk, then add remaining milk and sodium citrate to the skillet. Simmer gently and gradually incorporate cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.

• Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside.

• Final Fusion

Combine the seasoned beef, silky cheese sauce, and tender pasta in a delightful mixture. Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce and garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Cheesy Taco Shell Perfection

• Dial up the heat by adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mix for those who love a fiery kick.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or a smoky gouda to create unique flavor depths.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or black beans to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the dish.
• Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the presentation and taste.

Serving Taco Shells & Cheese

• Fiesta Taco Plating Magic: Create a vibrant plate with fresh green lettuce as a colorful base, showcasing the cheesy taco pasta.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and crunch that elevates the dish.
• Creamy Toppings Paradise: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, with a few extra cherry tomatoes scattered around to bring brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Side Companion Delight: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or a small side salad with zesty lime dressing to complement the rich and cheesy taco pasta.

Taco Shells & Cheese Storage Notes

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare double the recipe and store individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce stress.
• Refrigerator Freshness Window: Safely store leftovers in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping the cheese sauce and beef mixture separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm taco shells and cheese mixture in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency, avoiding microwave which can separate cheese sauce.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package cooled ingredients in freezer-safe containers, separating cheese sauce from pasta and beef to prevent moisture buildup, lasting up to 2 months for future quick dinners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Taco Shells & Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade taco shells & cheese blend Mexican and American comfort cuisine with crispy tortilla vessels and melted cheese. Cheese lovers will discover a quick, satisfying meal that combines familiar flavors in a delightful culinary experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (8 oz/226 g) ground beef
• 8 oz (226 g) mini shell or elbow pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 ¾ cups whole milk
• 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp (11 g) sodium citrate
• 8 oz (226 g) shredded white cheese (mix of white cheddar and gruyere)
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Quartered cherry tomatoes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil for pasta cooking.
2. Prepare Spice Blend: Thoroughly mix spices in a small container to ensure even distribution.
3. Cook Beef: Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into crumbles and cooking until browned, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Season Meat: Sprinkle spice blend over beef, adding a small amount of liquid if the mixture appears dry, ensuring thorough coating.
5. Cheese Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, whisk milk, dairy, and sodium citrate together, creating a smooth base while maintaining moderate heat.
6. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain completely, reserving the pot.
7. Cheese Integration: Gradually melt cheese into the sauce, whisking continuously to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
8. Combine Components: Fold cooked pasta, seasoned beef, and velvety cheese sauce together, ensuring every element is well-incorporated.
9. Plate and Garnish: Transfer the taco-inspired mac and cheese onto crisp lettuce leaves, topping with vibrant cherry tomatoes for a fresh, appealing presentation.

Notes

• Spice Blend Mastery: Create your custom spice mix ahead of time for more consistent and intense flavor profile.
• Meat Browning Technique: Cook ground beef until it loses its raw pink color to develop deep, rich caramelized notes without burning.
• Cheese Sauce Secret: Whisk continuously while adding cheese to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
• Pasta Water Wisdom: Reserve a small amount of pasta water in case sauce needs additional moisture or adjustment during final mixing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg