This is the taco night you can eat with a spoon. The shells cook right in a seasoned, milky broth, and a big handful of cheddar at the end turns it into a creamy sauce. Using half a pound of beef plus a can of black beans keeps it filling and keeps the pot near $10.
Ingredients and cost
Each cost is for the amount this recipe uses. Pantry items like oil, spices and soy sauce cost more on your first trip, then last for many meals.
| Ingredient | Price used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef½ lb | $6.79/lbBLS, Sep 2026 | $3.40 |
| Black beans, canned1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed | $1.31/lbUSDA, 2023 | $1.22 |
| Medium pasta shells8 oz | $1.38/lbBLS, Sep 2026 · priced as spaghetti and macaroni | $0.69 |
| Cheddar cheese1½ cups shredded (6 oz) | $6.13/lbBLS, Sep 2026 | $2.30 |
| Taco seasoning1 packet (1 oz) | $0.79/packetEstimate | $0.79 |
| Diced tomatoes with green chiles1 can (10 oz), undrained | $1.19/canEstimate | $1.19 |
| Chicken bouillon2 cubes, plus 2 cups water | $0.13/cubeEstimate | $0.26 |
| Whole milk1 cup | $4.11/galBLS, Sep 2026 | $0.26 |
| Garlic2 cloves, minced | $0.06/cloveEstimate | $0.12 |
| Total | $10.23 | |
| Per serving (serves 4) | $2.56 |
Directions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the beef, breaking it up, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Spoon off any extra fat, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, then the water, bouillon cubes, milk, and the tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil, stirring until the bouillon dissolves.
- Stir in the pasta, cover, and simmer over medium-low for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the beans and cook for 2 minutes to heat them through.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheese a handful at a time until it melts. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
Budget tips
- Ground beef averaged $6.79/lb in September 2026 (BLS). Half a pound plus a can of beans fills the pot like a full pound of beef for about $2 less.
- Cheddar is the next most expensive item here. Swapping half of it for American cheese ($4.74/lb at BLS averages) saves about $0.26 and makes the sauce extra smooth.
- Make your own taco seasoning from spices you already have: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt.
How we priced this recipe
- BLS, Sep 2026: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Price Data, U.S. city average, September 2026.
- USDA, 2023: USDA Economic Research Service, Fruit and Vegetable Prices, 2023 (the latest year published).
- Estimate: Food Butler estimate of a typical U.S. store-brand shelf price, October 2026. Neither BLS nor USDA publishes an average price for these items.
Your store's prices will differ. See all priced recipes.