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Taco Macaroni First Image

Cheesy Taco Pasta


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Traditional

Description

A delicious and easy cheesy taco pasta dish made with Velveeta shells, ground beef, and tomatoes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Velveeta shells and cheese
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 ounce mild taco seasoning
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 10 ounces mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, do not drain
  • 8 ounces Velveeta processed cheese, cubed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles according to the box instructions. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ground beef.
  2. Add the ground beef to a large skillet with high sides or a 4 to 5-quart stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir constantly while cooking for 7-8 minutes, or until the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess oil.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef. Stir in the ⅔ cup of water. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring often as directed on the taco seasoning packet.
  4. Add the can of un-drained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Continue to cook on medium heat for another 2-3 minutes until the beef and tomato mixture is heated through.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed Velveeta. Continue stirring often until the Velveeta has melted.
  6. Add the packet of cheese sauce that is included in the box of noodles and cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese sauce is completely incorporated. Remove from the heat.
  7. Add the cooked and drained noodles to the cheesy ground beef mixture. Stir to coat the noodles completely. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can use a generic version of the Velveeta shells and cheese.
  • The taco seasoning brand can be substituted according to preference.
  • Rotel brand diced tomatoes and green chilies work well but feel free to use a generic version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg