Beefy Shells and Cheese

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 6 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Louise Graybiel, of Toronto, Ontario writes of her Beefy Shells and Cheese, “Boxed macaroni and cheese, store-bought salsa and canned beans make this kid-pleaser a snap to fix!” For a bonus, Louise likes to add shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to the dish for extra-cheesy fun!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 package (12 ounces) shells and cheese dinner mix
  • 2 cups water
  • 1-1/4 cups salsa
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set aside cheese sauce packet from dinner mix. Add shells and water to skillet. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
  2. Stir in the salsa, beans, chili powder, salt and contents of cheese sauce packet. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 cups: 393 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.

Louise Graybiel, of Toronto, Ontario writes of her Beefy Shells and Cheese, “Boxed macaroni and cheese, store-bought salsa and canned beans make this kid-pleaser a snap to fix!” For a bonus, Louise likes to add shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to the dish for extra-cheesy fun!
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC