Queso Taco Pasta

I am a HUGE Taco fan.  I could eat tacos all week and never get tired of them.  My family on the other hand think I make them too much (once or twice a month is not too often).  So this was a great find.  The family absolutely loved it.  It had great flavor and provided my taco fix while satisfying my whole family.  It is now my favorite dish and there were no leftovers.

Queso Taco Pasta

From Picky Palate

Queso Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup prepared mild salsa
Beef Mixture
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon  black pepper
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, mild
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 Tablespoon lime juice

3/4 pound small pasta of your choice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Place butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to melt. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper for about 30 seconds until bubbly. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Increase heat to high while whisking until thickened. Takes 3-5 minutes. Stir in cheese and salsa, turn off heat and set aside.

Brown hamburger, garlic, onions, salt and pepper. Drain fat if necessary. Add tomatoes, cumin and lime juice, stir to combine.

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.

Place beef, noodles and queso in a large bowl.  Mix. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

So delicious!!

Enjoy!