Name: Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Get ready for a dish that screams comfort and indulgence. Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara is the kind of weeknight dinner that wraps you up in flavor and warmth. Velveeta’s signature smooth melt pairs beautifully with tender rigatoni noodles, while the bold and savory Italian beef marinara brings that meaty punch we all crave in a hearty pasta dish.

It’s the best of both creamy and meaty worlds. Perfectly al dente rigatoni captures every bit of cheesy goodness, while the marinara, loaded with seasoned ground beef, offers that comforting tomato richness. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what your pasta nights have been missing.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

This dish is a crowd-pleaser without the fuss. It comes together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients and doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or cozy night in, the creamy cheese sauce and zesty beef marinara are guaranteed to win everyone over.

You’ll love how the Velveeta makes the sauce velvety smooth and clingy to every piece of pasta. Add in Italian seasoning, garlic, and tomato richness, and you’ve got a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is our pasta of choice here, and for good reason. Its tubular shape and ridges are perfect for catching all that luscious Velveeta sauce and savory marinara. If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, penne or ziti are great alternatives. Just make sure to go with a hearty pasta that can hold its own against the bold sauce and beefy chunks.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

The beauty of this dish is how simple it is to pull together, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It all comes down to choosing quality basics that blend into one flavorful, cozy meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rigatoni pasta
Ground beef
Velveeta cheese
Canned crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Garlic cloves
Yellow onion
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil (optional for garnish)

Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara 2

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onions are soft.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen.

Step 5: Melt the Velveeta

Reduce heat to low and cube the Velveeta cheese. Stir it into the sauce gradually until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy, cheesy base.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the cheesy marinara sauce. Stir to coat every piece evenly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

This creamy pasta dish is filling enough to serve as a complete meal on its own, feeding around 4 to 6 people generously. Plate it hot, straight from the skillet, and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or a dusting of grated Parmesan for that final flourish.

If you have leftovers, you’ll be glad to know this rigatoni keeps well. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, a splash of milk stirred in can help revive that creamy texture. For freezing, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with thick slices of garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy sauce and beefy bits.

Caesar Salad

The crisp crunch of romaine and tangy Caesar dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A tray of simply roasted broccoli with lemon zest brings a fresh, bright contrast to the meal.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their sweet caramelization adds depth and a hint of bitterness that plays well with the creamy cheese.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze keep things light and snackable.

Sauteed Mushrooms

A savory, earthy pairing that makes every bite of pasta feel even more hearty.

Antipasto Platter

Offer a small board of olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables for a rustic Italian starter.

Lemon-Infused Sparkling Water

Finish it off with a fizzy drink that refreshes and cuts through the richness of the dish.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara left you full and happy, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comforting pasta recipes from the site:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a thick, cozy dinner your kids will request again and again.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving Philly-inspired indulgence.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that’s fast, simple, and done in one pot.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a cheesy, saucy twist on a classic favorite.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you’re looking to switch things up with a smoky kick.