Description
If you’re craving a quick dinner that delivers cheesy comfort and bold Italian flavor, this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara is your answer. This easy recipe features creamy Velveeta melted into a rich beefy marinara, all tossed with rotini pasta and topped with bubbly mozzarella. It’s the kind of easy recipe that works for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re just in need of a cozy food idea. From breakfast ideas to dinner ideas, this one hits that perfect balance of quick prep and big flavor. Whether you’re after a healthy-ish snack with a side salad or a satisfying main dish, this one’s got you covered.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground Italian beef
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground Italian beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes over medium-low heat.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted into the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.
6. Add cooked rotini to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the cheesy beef sauce.
7. Transfer mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the Velveeta melt slowly over low heat to prevent a grainy texture.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a smoother melt and better browning on top.
For extra depth, stir in sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, velveeta rotini, easy dinner, quick pasta bake, comfort food