Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, cheesy, and family-approved? This Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara is your new go-to. With tender rigatoni, hearty Italian-seasoned beef, and a silky Velveeta-infused marinara sauce, this easy dinner recipe is both indulgent and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just need a cozy meal fast. It’s one of those dinner ideas that everyone will ask for again—bold, creamy, and layered with rich Italian flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 pound ground Italian-seasoned beef
2 cups marinara sauce
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and stir in Velveeta cubes. Stir constantly until melted and creamy.
6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. (Optional) Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente gives the best bite and texture.
Keep the heat low when melting Velveeta to maintain a smooth sauce.
Mozzarella on top is optional but gives a fantastic cheesy crust when broiled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, cheesy rigatoni, Italian beef, pasta bake