If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s both hearty and full of Italian flair, look no further than this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, with tender rotini swirled in rich marinara, savory Italian beef, and loads of melty Velveeta and mozzarella cheese creating a creamy, indulgent finish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual weeknight feast, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing bowl of joy that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique element that builds the dish’s hearty, cheesy character and vibrant Italian flavor. From the tender pasta to the sharp cheeses and the rich beef marinara, every component plays a flavorful part.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1 lb ground Italian beef: Adds a robust meaty base seasoned with classic Italian herbs and spices.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: A tangy, tomato-rich foundation providing vibrant color and authentic Italian taste.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed: The secret to that creamy, dreamy, ultra-smooth texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers a melty, stretchy topping that gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and pretty green color for garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook it just until al dente — you want it tender but with a slight bite, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for when it’s time to combine everything.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Beef
Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the ground Italian beef. Break it apart as it cooks until beautifully browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it away to keep the dish from becoming greasy. This step builds the hearty meaty flavor that’s a cornerstone of this recipe.
Step 3: Simmer with Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly. This step infuses the beef with that classic Italian tomato essence and smells amazing!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked rotini directly into the skillet, stirring well to coat every piece with the rich Italian beef marinara sauce. This ensures the pasta absorbs all that savory goodness, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Step 5: Melt in the Velveeta
Now for the magic: stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until it melts completely into a smooth, creamy luscious sauce that envelops the rotini and beef. This is where the dish earns its irresistibly cheesy texture that’s both creamy and comforting.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Parsley
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and if you’re using parsley, scatter it on now to add a burst of color and freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Transfer the skillet (or move everything to a baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe) into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbled and perfectly melted with golden spots. This final bake melds all the flavors and textures into a perfect cheesy casserole you’ll want to dig into right away.
How to Serve Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish for this dish, adding a subtle herbal note and vibrant green color that makes each serving look as inviting as it tastes. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat for an extra kick of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some garlic bread to soak up the leftover marinara sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully, balancing cheese and meat with freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe shines served family-style straight from an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, inviting everyone to dig in together. For entertaining, try plating individual portions in shallow bowls topped with extra mozzarella or a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after resting, making reheated servings taste just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep that cheesy creaminess intact. If reheating from frozen, be sure to defrost completely first to avoid uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because it holds sauce inside its spirals, other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells will work great too. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is Velveeta the only cheese I can use?
Velveeta melts smoothly and gives that creamy texture this dish is known for, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like cream cheese or mild cheddar for a different twist. Just keep some mozzarella for that bubbly finish!
Can I prepare this recipe without baking?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can melt the mozzarella on the stovetop under a lid, but baking gives that irresistible bubbly golden crust that really elevates this dish.
How spicy is the Italian beef marinara?
The standard Italian beef and marinara combination is mildly spiced, leaning toward savory herb flavors, but you can always add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to amp up the heat if you like it spicy.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy cheese and pasta combo tends to be a hit with kids, and you can adjust seasoning to be milder or remove parsley if preferred. It’s a great way to get little ones eating flavorful, satisfying meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly comforting about the rich, cheesy embrace of this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So next time you’re craving a homemade meal that promises big flavors and cozy textures, give this recipe a go. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara is a comforting and hearty pasta dish combining tender rotini pasta with a savory Italian beef and marinara sauce, all smothered in creamy Velveeta and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a delicious fusion of rich flavors and cheesy goodness baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta, uncooked
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground Italian beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Italian beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground Italian beef. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned completely. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer with marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce to the browned beef in the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Velveeta cheese: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture throughout the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Top with mozzarella cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Optionally, garnish with dried parsley flakes for added color and flavor.
- Bake to finish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the oven-safe skillet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
Notes
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for the entire cooking process so you can bake directly without transferring.
- Velveeta cheese provides a creamy texture but can be substituted with another melting cheese if desired.
- Draining excess fat from the ground beef ensures the dish isn’t greasy.
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
