Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a flavor explosion that'll have your family begging for seconds! This Tex-Mex Velveeta Shells and Cheese Dinner is not just another mac and cheese recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic comfort food with the bold, zesty kick of Mexican-inspired flavors. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that's sure to become a household favorite, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and impress dinner guests alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and meat is fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander, then return meat to the skillet.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the ground beef and stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add shell pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Drain pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Reduce skillet heat to low and add cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, and salsa. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold until pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy taco-seasoned sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat while maintaining great taste.
- Toast your taco seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding meat to enhance its aromatic spices.
- Reserve some pasta water - it's a secret weapon for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use freshly chopped green onions as a garnish to add a fresh, crisp texture and bright flavor.
- If you want to kick up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa.
- For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican-style rice or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
