Velveeta Beef & Shells Casserole

A rich and creamy casserole that brings together tender pasta, flavorful seasoned beef, and a velvety cheese sauce, topped off with taco seasoning and Rotel for that extra kick. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to prepare. Here’s the most detailed version to help you nail this dish!

Ingredients (Makes 6-8 servings)

For the Casserole:

3 pounds ground beef (I recommend 80/20 for optimal flavor and juiciness)
1 box small shells pasta (about 16 oz or 450g)

1 pack Velveeta cheese (usually 16 oz; you can use the block version)
Handful of sharp cheddar cheese (about 1-1.5 cups shredded)
2 packets taco seasoning (or homemade using chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder)

1 can original Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies, 10 oz can)
½ cup milk (you can use whole milk, 2%, or even half-and-half for a creamier texture)

Optional Garnishes/Toppings:

Sour cream (adds a creamy, tangy touch)

Chopped cilantro (for freshness)
Sliced jalapeños (if you like a little extra heat)
Extra shredded cheddar cheese (to sprinkle on top before serving)

Salsa (for an extra layer of flavor)
Lime wedges (for a burst of citrus)

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all 3 pounds of beef. A 12-inch skillet is ideal.

Add the 3 pounds of ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Tip: To avoid the beef sticking, stir occasionally. This helps break the meat into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s fully browned with no pink spots remaining. Once browned, drain excess fat by tilting the skillet and using a spoon to remove it. You want the beef to be moist, but not greasy.

Season the beef with 2 packets of taco seasoning and mix well. If you want to make your own taco seasoning, combine 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp paprika.
- Add ½ cup water to the meat and seasoning mixture to help the flavors blend together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the seasoning infuse into the beef.

Step 2: Cook the Small Shells Pasta

While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt (about 1-2 teaspoons) to the water to help season the pasta.

Once the water is boiling, add the small shells pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Tip: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) since it will cook a bit more in the oven later. Overcooking the pasta could make it mushy.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander. To prevent the pasta from sticking, give it a quick rinse with cold water.

Step 3: Melt the Velveeta Cheese

Cube the Velveeta cheese into small, uniform blocks (about 1-inch cubes). This helps it melt more evenly.
In the same skillet where you cooked the beef, add the cubed Velveeta and place over medium heat. The skillet should still have some residual fat and flavor from the beef, which will enhance the cheese sauce.
Pour in ½ cup milk to help the cheese melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir frequently to ensure the cheese doesn’t stick or burn. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk (about a tablespoon at a time) to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Tip: If you want an even creamier texture, you can substitute half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of milk. For a lower-fat version, use skim milk or almond milk.

Step 4: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Cheese

Add the cooked small shells pasta and seasoned ground beef into the Velveeta cheese mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Stir in the can of Rotel (including the juices). The tomatoes and green chilies bring a subtle tang and heat to balance the richness of the cheese.

Add a handful of sharp cheddar cheese (about 1-1.5 cups). Stir until the cheddar is fully melted and incorporated.
- Optional: You can add more cheese on top if you like a cheesy crust.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Once everything is well-mixed and creamy, serve the casserole hot. You can garnish it with your choice of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese.

Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
- Optional side: You can serve it with a side of tortilla chips, garlic bread, or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Tips for Success

Avoid overcooking the pasta – Since it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce, it’s best to stop cooking just before it’s fully tender.

Stir often – When melting the cheese, continuous stirring prevents it from clumping or burning.
Adjust seasoning – Taste the beef and cheese mixture before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it’s too bland, add a pinch more taco seasoning or some salt and pepper.
Make it your own – Add green chilies, black beans, or corn for additional flavor and texture.

Leftover Tips

Storage: Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep it from drying out. You can add a splash of milk to make it extra creamy when reheating.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I make this in advance?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. This is great for meal prep or parties. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: Add spicy Rotel, jalapeños, or chili flakes to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle hot sauce on top when serving.

Q: What else can I add for more flavor?

A: Try adding some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black olives. You can also swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.

Benefits of This Recipe

✅ Customizable: Perfect for making adjustments based on dietary preferences or spice levels.
✅ Creamy & Comforting: The combination of Velveeta and cheddar makes for a cheesy, indulgent meal.
✅ Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for kids, with its mild flavors and cheesy goodness.
✅ Make-Ahead: Great for meal prepping, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
✅ Affordable: Uses basic pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Final Thoughts

Your Velveeta Beef & Shells Casserole is an easy, creamy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love! Whether you’re cooking it for dinner tonight or prepping it for a future meal, this dish is sure to be a favorite. Enjoy, and feel free to tweak it to your personal taste! 😊