Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara
If comfort food had a face, it might just look like a bowl of Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara. This dish combines the hearty richness of savory beef marinara with the creamy dreaminess of Velveeta cheese, all swirled into tender rotini pasta. It’s the kind of meal that calls everyone to the table without saying a word.
Perfect for a quick dinner or an indulgent weekend meal, this cheesy rotini packs bold flavor with minimal effort. The Italian beef brings a seasoned punch while Velveeta melts into an irresistibly smooth sauce that clings to every spiral of pasta. It’s satisfying, kid-friendly, and oh-so-easy to love.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara
This dish hits all the comfort notes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty with a rich tomato base that doesn’t skimp on seasoning. It’s also incredibly flexible—you can bulk it up with extra veggies or keep it simple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this one delivers every time.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Rotini is ideal for this recipe because its spirals hold onto the cheese sauce so well, making every bite flavorful. If you don’t have rotini, penne or fusilli are great alternatives. Just make sure it’s a pasta shape that loves to hug sauce—that’s the key to maximum flavor.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara
Each ingredient in this dish is chosen to build bold flavor with comforting textures. The star, of course, is the creamy Velveeta, but it’s the beef marinara that adds the depth that makes this meal truly memorable.
- Rotini pasta
- Velveeta cheese
- Ground beef
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil


How To Make the Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
Step 3: Add the Marinara
Pour in your favorite marinara sauce and stir to combine with the seasoned beef. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 4: Melt the Velveeta
Cube the Velveeta and add to the skillet, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and stir until all the pasta is well coated with the cheesy beef marinara. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storing Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara
This rich and creamy dish is best served right after combining the cheese and pasta. It makes a cozy dinner for four to five people, depending on portions. If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
What to Serve With Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara?
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect match for this pasta, ideal for mopping up every bit of cheesy marinara.
Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad adds a crisp and creamy contrast that complements the rich pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli brings out its nutty flavor, making it a great pairing with this hearty dish.
Antipasto Platter
Add some marinated veggies, olives, and cured meats for a flavorful Italian-inspired side.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
The tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar balances the richness of the Velveeta sauce.
Mozzarella Sticks
Indulge further with melty mozzarella sticks as a cheesy appetizer to go with your cheesy main course.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella add a bright and refreshing contrast.
Simple Sauteed Spinach
A quick and healthy green side to keep things balanced and nutritious.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara has you craving more pasta delights, try these comfort-packed options:
- Cheesy Baked Ziti for layers of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.
- Creamy Cajun Linguine if you’re looking to spice things up.
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini to take your cheese game up a notch.
- Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a veggie-packed creamy dish.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for the perfect one-pot dinner.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 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 swap in turkey or add more veggies? Did you go extra cheesy?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook with flavor and ease.
Explore beautifully curated dinner and comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorite!
Conclusion
Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara is a dish that transforms humble ingredients into something truly satisfying. It’s cozy, filling, and effortlessly indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or making it ahead for the week, it promises comfort in every bite. Give it a try and make it your own!
Print
Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 servings
Description
This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara is a hearty, comforting pasta recipe combining creamy Velveeta cheese, tender rotini pasta, and rich Italian-style beef marinara. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
16 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and creamy.
5. Stir in the cooked rotini pasta until fully coated with the cheesy beef marinara. Serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated black pepper for added depth.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg