Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

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If there’s one dish that brings ultimate comfort to the table, it’s this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara. Imagine tender rotini pasta drenched in creamy Velveeta cheese sauce, perfectly married with rich marinara beef that has a touch of Italian herbs and hearty ground beef. This meal is both soul-warming and belly-filling, exactly what you need for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch.

It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just taste good—it feels like home. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a meal for friends, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish checks every box: cheesy, savory, and ridiculously easy to throw together. No fancy steps or hard-to-find ingredients, just pure comfort in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

This recipe is a true weeknight hero. It uses common pantry ingredients, takes under 40 minutes from start to finish, and delivers big on flavor. The Velveeta creates a silky cheese coating that clings to every pasta twist, while the ground beef in the marinara sauce brings heartiness that makes it a full meal on its own. Plus, the Italian seasoning adds depth without needing to simmer for hours.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids or cheese-loving adults, this dish is a guaranteed win. It’s creamy, meaty, and customizable too. Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach if you want a veggie boost. Or, go all out and top it with a layer of melted mozzarella before baking it.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is our go-to for this dish because its spiral shape catches all that cheesy goodness and marinara sauce in every bite. But if you don’t have rotini on hand, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will do just fine. The key is to use a pasta that has curves or ridges to grab onto the sauce. Avoid smooth spaghetti or linguine for this one—they won’t hold the cheese and beef as well as the ridged pastas do.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

To build the bold, savory layers of flavor in this dish, each ingredient plays a special role. You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.

• Rotini pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta traps the creamy cheese and hearty beef sauce in every curve.
• Ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein to the marinara.
• Velveeta cheese: Melts into a luxuriously smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
• Marinara sauce: A base of tomato flavor infused with Italian herbs.
• Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean notes that enhance the beefy marinara.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and a subtle savory punch.
• Onion powder: Provides a mellow sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: To season everything just right.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and adding a hint of richness.

How To Make the Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Build the Marinara Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors combine.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Cube the Velveeta and stir it into the sauce. Continue stirring gently until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and gently toss until all the pasta is well coated with the cheesy beef marinara. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of that cheesy, savory goodness.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

This comforting pasta dish is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet. Scoop it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color. It feeds about 4 to 6 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce back to its creamy texture. You can even freeze it for up to a month, though the cheese sauce may separate slightly when thawed—a quick stir usually brings it back together.

What to Serve With Cheesy Velveeta Rotini?

Garlic Bread

The golden, crunchy crust and buttery garlic flavor pair beautifully with this cheesy pasta.

Simple Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons provide a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.

Roasted Broccoli

A bit of green on the side adds balance and a slight charred flavor to cut through the creaminess.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly salted and crisp-tender green beans make a classic, kid-friendly side.

Antipasto Platter

Add a tray of olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies for a Mediterranean twist to your table.

Cheesy Garlic Knots

Double down on the cheese theme with some pull-apart garlic knots.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing, this salad helps lighten up every cheesy bite.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For something bold and savory, roasted sprouts bring a delightful caramelized bite.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara, you’re going to enjoy these cozy, flavorful favorites from MiaPlates:

• Try the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich, meaty sauce paired with shells that catch every bit of flavor.
• Our Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, creamy weeknight wonder.
• Love the idea of hearty pasta? Don’t miss the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for another comfort food fix.
• Get cozy with Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta—a crowd-pleasing creamy classic.
• For a one-pot wonder, try One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta and save yourself the cleanup.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a twist with extra veggies or spice it up with crushed red pepper?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated family dinners and cheesy comfort meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight go-to!

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