Taco Shells and Cheese

Taco shells and cheese are two popular food items that are beloved by many. Taco shells are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are often filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

I have quite a few mac and cheese recipes on this site but I think this is the one recipe that I always go back to. Some of the other mac and cheese recipes are from famous chefs such as Paula Deen and Alton Brown but this one is completely my own! I adapted it to make it more Weight Watcher friendly. It calls for Velveeta Cheese slices and I know it's a pain to open up all the individual wrappers but it is worth it.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Like This Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• How to make Taco Shells and Cheese
• What to serve with Taco Shells and Cheese
• Recipe FAQS
• More Mac and Cheese Recipes
• Taco Shells and Cheese

Why You Will Like This Recipe

Leftover taco meat is something that I have in my fridge a lot and I always have taco seasoning. I love adding leftover taco meat to creamy mac and cheese and then I'll top it with green onions, scallions, and maybe some hot sauce.

 If you don't want to make homemade mac and cheese a box of Velveeta shells and cheese pasta is just as good. This pasta is creamy and cheesy and has taco flavored ground beef added into the sauce.

Ingredients Needed

• Medium pasta shells or any type of small shaped pasta.
• Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins such as A and D. In fact, milk is often recommended as part of a healthy diet for children and adults alike.
• Light butter - also known as reduced-fat butter, is a healthier alternative to regular butter. It is made by churning cream until it separates into butterfat and buttermilk.
• Velveeta cheese slices - is a popular American brand of processed cheese that is known for its smooth and creamy texture.
• Reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese - is a popular type of cheese that is known for its tangy and robust flavor. It is a kind of cheddar cheese that has been aged for a longer period of time, typically for at least six months or more.
• Black pepper
• Gound beef (93% lean) -  Is considered better than higher fat options for several reasons. First, it has less saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, it tends to have fewer calories per serving, making it a good option for those watching their weight. The 96% lean ground beef from Aldi is my favorite.
• Taco seasoning - Is a blend of spices used to flavor ground beef or other meats for use in tacos. It typically includes a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sometimes salt and pepper. It can be purchased pre-mixed, or made at home using individual spices. I usually buy the Lower Sodium Taco Seasoning packets such as Mrs Dash. 
• Taco toppings if desired (see blog post)
• See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements. 

How to make Taco Shells and Cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente (do not overcook). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet brown the ground beef until brown. Drain any extra fat, and add taco seasoning. Set aside until the mac and cheese is ready.
3. In a large pot heat the milk and butter over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat, then add Velveeta and stir until completely smooth and melted. Stir in the grated cheddar, then add seasoned salt and pepper. Stir until combined, then taste it and add more seasonings if needed.
4. Add cooked pasta and ground beef taco mix and stir until coated. It will be soupy and saucy, but will thicken slowly.

What to serve with Taco Shells and Cheese

I like to add protein to my mac and cheese to make it a complete meal and will sometimes have a side of vegetables with it. I’ve also made mac and cheese with buffalo chicken on top, added some smoked sausage, hotdogs, or ham.

Recipe FAQS

How do I store leftovers? 

Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic,  whatever!  Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container. 

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Skinny Creamy Mac and Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese

If you tried this Taco Shells and Cheese orany other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

Print