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Creamy Velveeta Beef and Shell Pasta

creamy velveeta beef and shell pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot dinner featuring ground beef, Velveeta cheese, and shell pasta, ready in just 20 minutes. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for busy weeknights and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 8 ounces shell pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned with no pink remaining, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a bit for flavor.
  3. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil. Stir in uncooked shell pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove lid and add cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely into a creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

If pasta is not tender after 10 minutes, add more broth and cook a few minutes longer. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and burning. Velveeta cheese provides a smooth melt; alternatives like cream cheese and cheddar can be used but will alter texture. For a lighter version, substitute half the beef with ground turkey. Use gluten-free pasta to make this gluten-free. Reheat gently on stove with added broth or milk to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Velveeta, beef pasta, one-pot dinner, creamy pasta, quick dinner, shell pasta, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/creamy-velveeta-beef-and-shell-pasta-recipe-easy-one-pot-dinner-in-20-minutes/