Does dinnertime often leave you scrambling for ideas? Are you constantly short on time, or simply lack the energy to whip up an elaborate meal? We’ve all been there! But what if we told you there’s a simple, delicious solution that can rescue your weeknights and bring smiles to your family’s faces? This incredible Southwest Cheeseburger Mac is not only quick and incredibly easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, all thanks to the convenience and rich taste of VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets! Get ready to transform your culinary routine with this family favorite. #VELVEETA #WhatMySkilletIsFor
Southwest Cheeseburger Mac with VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets: Your New Favorite Dinner Solution
As a passionate food blogger, my mind is perpetually buzzing with new recipe concepts and innovative ways to reimagine classic dishes. It’s a constant, creative hum that rarely switches off! While this dedication often provides a wealth of content to share with you, my readers, my family can attest that we rarely enjoy the same meal twice without a fresh, exciting twist. There are, of course, a few cherished exceptions to this rule, but generally, culinary experimentation is a cornerstone of our kitchen.
However, let’s keep it real: even the most dedicated home cooks and food enthusiasts need a break. Some days, the thought of extensive cooking feels overwhelming, and shortcuts become essential. Yes, it happens to all of us – even food bloggers! On those particularly hectic evenings, convenience is king, and a little help in the kitchen can be a true lifesaver. That’s where smart, simple solutions like VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets come into play, allowing us to deliver a hearty, satisfying meal without sacrificing precious time or flavor.
The VELVEETA Story: Rediscovering the Magic of Your Skillet
A few weeks ago, I heard a marketing story about VELVEETA that I found absolutely brilliant. You know those online auction sites, right? They’re brimming with an incredible array of items – from quirky dachshund condiment trays to vintage spark plugs and even parrot-topped lava lamps. Amidst this eclectic mix, VELVEETA – the brand renowned for its iconic “Liquid Gold” cheese products – made an intriguing observation: thousands of skillets were also listed for sale.
It seemed many sellers either didn’t realize or had simply forgotten the true potential of their skillets. What did VELVEETA do? They saw an opportunity! The brand purchased over a thousand of these skillets and ingeniously returned them to their original owners, accompanied by a box of VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets and some other cool swag. Their message was clear: “This is #WhatMySkilletIsFor!” It was a truly epic campaign, reminding people of the joy and simplicity of cooking delicious meals with their trusty skillet.
When I first learned about VELVEETA’s clever initiative, I was instantly amused and impressed. Imagine the surprise and delight of those recipients getting their skillets back, complete with a fantastic meal kit! It’s a story I bet they shared with all their friends and family, and many even took to Facebook and Twitter to express their excitement. VELVEETA understood that once people reconnected with the ease and deliciousness of skillet-cooked meals, they would be eager to spread the word and rediscover the simple pleasure of cooking.
Why VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets Are a Game-Changer for Busy Households
This memorable story really resonated with me. On those particularly demanding days when kitchen inspiration is low, the idea of #WhatMySkilletIsFor immediately springs to mind. And just like that, a comforting pan of VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets is on its way to becoming dinner. While I adore the convenience of these kits, my food blogger instincts often compel me to add my own creative spin. Today, I’m thrilled to share one such elevated take on a classic: my Southwest Cheeseburger Mac. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that remains incredibly simple to prepare, thanks to the foundation of VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets, enhanced with just a few pantry staples and some extra seasoning. It’s the ideal meal for a busy weeknight, guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family.
Beyond the delightful Southwest Cheeseburger Mac, I’m particularly excited to try the VELVEETA Cheesy Skillet – Chicken Parmesan. It’s a newer flavor in their diverse lineup, so be sure to keep an eye out for it on your next grocery run! The versatility of these dinner kits means there’s always a new, exciting meal to discover. You can explore more product information and a full list of available varieties through the official VELVEETA Facebook App or on their website.
Crafting Your Southwest Cheeseburger Mac: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Getting this incredible Southwest Cheeseburger Mac on your table is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll begin by browning and crumbling your lean ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. I always make sure to drain any excess grease, even with lean beef, to ensure the dish isn’t oily. A little secret: I also like to give my beef a quick rinse after draining, though not everyone does this. It’s a personal preference that helps reduce fat and gives a cleaner flavor profile to the finished dish.
Once your beef is perfectly browned, it’s time to infuse those vibrant Southwest flavors. To the skillet, you’ll add the essential ingredients listed on your VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets box, along with a can of black beans (rinsed and drained for best results), a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a generous amount of taco seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. This is the perfect moment to prep a fresh side salad or chop some cilantro for a garnish, allowing the flavors of the mac to meld beautifully for about 10-12 minutes, or until most of the water has been absorbed by the pasta.
Now for the pièce de résistance – the “Liquid Gold,” baby! Remove the skillet from the heat and generously pour in that incredibly creamy VELVEETA cheese sauce. Give it a good stir until every bit of pasta and beef is coated in its smooth, cheesy goodness. And while it might be tempting to sample a spoonful (or more!) of that irresistible cheese sauce directly from the pouch, I highly recommend adding it to the pan first to ensure maximum flavor distribution throughout your dish. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Serve your steaming hot Southwest Cheeseburger Mac with a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and perhaps some extra sliced tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness. Dinner is officially ready, and it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
The Ultimate Family Dinner Solution: VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets
VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets are more than just dinner kits; they are premium meal solutions designed to make dinnertime both delicious and incredibly easy, leaving your family smiling and satisfied. Our family absolutely adores this Southwest Cheeseburger Mac, and I particularly appreciate how effortlessly it comes together. With VELVEETA, you can truly wield your skillet and forge a family dinner with the comforting “Liquid Gold” that brings everyone to the table. Never forget that with just a skillet, some ground beef, chicken, or tuna, you have the power to create a meal that will not only fill hungry bellies but also bring your family together around a shared, delicious experience.
As a special treat, you have the chance to win your very own skillet along with two boxes of VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets to kickstart your easy meal journey!
Explore More Quick & Easy Family-Friendly Recipes
If you loved this Southwest Cheeseburger Mac, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic, easy-to-make recipes that your family is sure to enjoy, perfect for any night of the week:
- Fiesta Mac & Cheese
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Skillet
- Margarita Chicken Tacos
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
- Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice
6
servings
Southwest Cheeseburger Mac
Jamie Sherman
10
mins
30
mins
40
mins
Ingredients
- 1 box VELVEETA Cheesy Skillets Ultimate Cheeseburger Mac (12.8 oz.), plus ingredients listed on box (water, etc.)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz.)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (10 oz.)
- 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning (about half of a 1.25 oz. packet, or use homemade mix)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, for serving (optional)
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
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Brown and crumble ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
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Add 2 cups of water (or as specified on the VELVEETA box for the mac and cheese), the seasoning packet from the VELVEETA box, uncooked pasta, rinsed black beans, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the water has been absorbed and the pasta is tender (this usually takes about 10-12 minutes).
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Open the VELVEETA Cheese Sauce Pouch and pour its creamy contents into the skillet. Stir well until the cheese sauce is evenly distributed and coats all the pasta and beef.
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Serve individual portions warm. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, slices of fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy Southwest Cheeseburger Mac!
Notes
- You can easily customize this recipe to your family’s preferences. Feel free to experiment with different flavors of macaroni and cheese kits, or use plain diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For extra veggies, consider adding corn or bell peppers during the simmering stage.
- A dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños can add an extra kick for those who enjoy more spice.
Nutrition
Calories: 296 kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 691mg, Potassium: 676mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 200IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 102mg, Iron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Originally published on June 27, 2014. Updated on April 29, 2021. Rewritten and expanded on October 26, 2023.