Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

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When you think of comfort food, spaghetti often comes to mind. This version takes the classic dish to the next level with a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The combination of Velveeta and a rich Italian beef marinara creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese blends beautifully with the robust marinara, while the seasoned beef adds heartiness and depth. Each forkful is a harmony of cheesy comfort and savory richness, making it a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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

This spaghetti recipe is a comforting fusion of two beloved classics: cheesy pasta and hearty marinara. It’s easy to make, requires only simple ingredients, and can feed the whole family without much effort. Plus, the addition of Velveeta creates an ultra-smooth sauce that even picky eaters will love.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?

While spaghetti is the star here, you can easily swap it out for other pasta shapes if you prefer. Linguine or fettuccine offer a similar texture, while penne or rigatoni capture the sauce in their ridges, making each bite even more satisfying. Stick with your favorite or try something new to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

This recipe is all about bringing together simple, flavorful ingredients that complement one another. Each element plays a role in creating a dish that is creamy, hearty, and perfectly seasoned. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Spaghetti – the base of the dish, giving the sauce something to cling to.
  • Ground beef – adds richness and a savory depth to the marinara.
  • Velveeta cheese – the secret ingredient for a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Marinara sauce – brings acidity and balance to cut through the cheese.
  • Onion – for aromatic sweetness and flavor.
  • Garlic – enhances the depth and warmth of the sauce.
  • Olive oil – used to sautĂ© and build flavor.
  • Italian seasoning – ties everything together with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Salt and pepper – essential for balance and seasoning.
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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until fragrant and softened, infusing the meat with savory aromatics.

Step 4: Add the Marinara

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then let the mixture simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Melt in the Velveeta

Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes and add them to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the beef and marinara beautifully.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, making sure every strand is covered in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

This creamy pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A single batch of this recipe can comfortably feed 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess as it warms.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in portioned containers. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will still be comforting and delicious.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Garlic Bread

The ultimate sidekick to pasta, garlic bread adds a crunchy contrast and is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, parmesan, and a creamy dressing balances the richness of the spaghetti.

Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli bring freshness and color to the meal.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing and tangy pairing.

Bruschetta

Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil makes a bright and flavorful appetizer alongside this dish.

Antipasto Platter

Cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies complement the Italian flavors beautifully.

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

A simple side of sautéed spinach cuts through the richness and adds a healthy, earthy touch.

Minestrone Soup

Start the meal with a comforting Italian soup that sets the stage for the creamy spaghetti main.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you enjoyed this creamy Velveeta spaghetti, you’ll love exploring other pasta creations that bring comfort and bold flavors to the table. Here are some reader favorites:

• Cheesy Baked Ziti for a baked, cheesy classic everyone adores.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine if you want a little kick of spice with your creaminess.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for another twist on cheesy pasta perfection.
• One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you want a quick, flavorful one-pot wonder.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a rich, comforting bowl of goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

đŸ“Œ Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever you crave creamy, cheesy comfort food.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs, a different cheese, or maybe some heat with red pepper flakes? I love hearing your spins on these dishes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes and more on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover new favorites to keep your mealtimes exciting.

Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara is the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and approachable. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can serve up a dish that brings smiles around the table. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday supper, this recipe will quickly become part of your regular rotation.

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Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara 1

Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Description

Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara is a quick family dinner featuring tender spaghetti coated in a silky Velveeta cheese sauce and a hearty Italian beef marinara. This easy cheesy spaghetti recipe delivers weeknight comfort with simple pantry ingredients, rich marinara flavor, and kid-friendly creaminess.


Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

24 ounces marinara sauce

8 ounces Velveeta, cut into cubes

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 cup grated Parmesan, optional for serving

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional for garnish


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 teaspoons salt, and cook spaghetti until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, crumbling as it cooks; drain excess fat.

3. Stir in onion and cook until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

4. Season beef with Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.

5. Pour in marinara sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 5 to 7 minutes to meld flavors.

6. Reduce heat to low, add Velveeta cubes, and stir until completely melted and silky.

7. Stir in milk to loosen the sauce; add red pepper flakes if using.

8. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed so the sauce coats every strand.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and more pepper if needed.

10. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

Use a low simmer once the cheese goes in so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t separate.

Reserve pasta water; its starch helps the sauce cling without getting too thick.

Velveeta thickness varies; thin the sauce gradually with milk until perfectly creamy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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