The Creamiest Velveeta Mac And Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Love

Crafting the ultimate velveeta mac and cheese becomes a delightful culinary adventure for comfort food enthusiasts.

Creamy cheese melts into perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each cheesy bite.

Home cooks adore this simple yet irresistible recipe that comes together in minutes.

Shortcuts to incredible flavor await you in this foolproof meal.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this cheesy classic as a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Dive into a recipe that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness and satisfaction.

Velveeta Mac and Cheese Loaded With Creamy Goodness

• Spice Up Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a zesty, hearty meal with a Mexican-inspired twist that adds exciting flavors to a traditional favorite.
• Crowd-Pleasing One-Pot Wonder: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you need a satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Streamline your cooking process with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Quick and Customizable Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding extra toppings like jalapeños or green onions, or swapping ground beef for ground turkey to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Found in Velveeta Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Pasta: A classic pasta shape that helps trap the cheesy sauce in its curved design.
• Velveeta Cheese: A smooth processed cheese that melts perfectly and creates a creamy sauce.

• Hamburger Meat: Adds hearty protein and rich flavor to the mac and cheese.
• Taco Seasoning: Provides a zesty southwestern kick to the meat mixture.

• Milk: Creates the smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Helps build a rich and creamy sauce foundation.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp cheese topping with golden brown potential.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces a spicy and tangy element to the dish.

• Nutmeg, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide depth and balanced seasoning to the overall dish.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the baking dish.

How to Make Velveeta Mac and Cheese Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water and cook elbow pasta for slightly less time than package instructions.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Taco Meat Base

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.

Drain excess fat.

• Taco seasoning
• Rotel tomatoes

Stir in taco seasoning and undrained Rotel.

Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Craft the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Develop Smooth Sauce

Slowly add milk, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings

• Nutmeg
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Continue stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes velvety smooth.

Step 7: Combine All Components

Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and taco meat in a large bowl.

Ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 10 minutes.

For an extra golden and bubbly top, broil for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy your spicy taco mac and cheese creation!

Tips That Help Perfect Velveeta Mac and Cheese

• Undercook the pasta by 12 minutes less than package directions to prevent mushy texture and ensure it absorbs the cheese sauce beautifully.
• Drain excess fat from browned hamburger to keep the mac and cheese from becoming greasy and maintain a rich, balanced flavor.
• Continuously whisk the butter and flour mixture to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky base for the cheese sauce.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg and paprika to the cheese sauce for depth and complexity that elevates the classic mac and cheese taste.
• Use the broiler for 2 minutes at the end to create a crispy, golden-brown cheese topping that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.

Variations That Enhance Velveeta Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Blend: Replace hamburger with black beans, add corn kernels, and mix in diced bell peppers for a plant-based version.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Edition: Crisp chopped bacon pieces on top, incorporate crumbled bacon into the pasta, and use ground beef for a hearty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Mix in crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation of the classic mac and cheese.

Pairing Ideas With Velveeta Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the bold, spicy taco-infused mac and cheese with a tangy margarita that cuts through the richness and enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Create a Fresh Salsa Sidekick: Serve a crisp, homemade salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime to add bright, fresh notes that balance the creamy, heavy mac and cheese.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, refreshing green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta dish.
• Select Mexican Lager Pairing: Choose a light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and complement the spicy, cheesy flavors of the mac and cheese.

Proper Storage For Velveeta Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What makes the taco meat special in this mac and cheese?

The taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes add a zesty, spicy kick to the meat, giving the classic mac and cheese a southwestern twist that elevates the flavor profile.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini that will hold the cheesy sauce well and provide similar texture.

• Why do I partially cook the pasta before baking?

Cooking the pasta for 12 minutes less than package directions prevents overcooking during baking, ensuring the pasta remains perfectly al dente and doesn’t become mushy in the final dish.

The Velveeta Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Velveeta mac and cheese delivers comfort straight from classic American kitchens, promising rich cheesy goodness in every delightful bite. Smooth melted cheese coating tender pasta creates a quick, satisfying meal that makes comfort food lovers swoon with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground hamburger meat
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Velveeta cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 3 cups elbow pasta
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (590 milliliters) milk
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Salt a large pot of water and cook elbow pasta for approximately 8 minutes, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Drain completely and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease and incorporate taco seasoning with Rotel tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
5. Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking steadily until the mixture smooths and thickens, roughly 3-4 minutes.
6. Incorporate Velveeta cheese, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Combine pasta, cheese sauce, and seasoned meat in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top.
9. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy surface.

Notes

• Drain pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, less oily mac and cheese dish.
• Experiment with different protein alternatives like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier spin on this comfort classic.
• Allow the cheese sauce to thicken naturally without rushing, whisking continuously to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 594 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg