Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a weeknight dinner that tastes like comfort in every bite? This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara might just be your new go-to. Creamy, melty Velveeta wraps around rotini pasta, while a bold Italian-style beef marinara adds a hearty and savory touch. The cheese-to-meat ratio is pure satisfaction, and that golden, bubbly top seals the deal.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or meal-prepping for cozy lunches, this dish hits all the right notes. It combines convenience, big flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence. Bonus: it bakes beautifully, making it a perfect choice for make-ahead or potluck plans.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you jump into the cheesy magic, make sure you’ve got the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pot: For boiling the rotini to al dente perfection.
• Skillet: To brown the seasoned ground beef and simmer that robust marinara.
• 9×13 baking dish: The ultimate vehicle to layer everything and bake to bubbly, golden-top bliss.
• Colander: Essential for draining the pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Keeps your hands safe while evenly mixing the cheese and beef sauce.
• Grater (optional): If you want to mix in fresh mozzarella or cheddar on top.

Having these tools prepped makes the process seamless and lets you focus on layering that gooey, savory goodness.

---

Ingredients for the Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

• Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is ideal for holding onto every bit of that cheesy, meaty sauce.
• Ground Beef: The heart of the marinara sauce, giving it a rich and savory depth.
• Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jar of marinara (or homemade) brings in the Italian seasoning and tomato base.
• Velveeta Cheese: The star ingredient for its unmatched creaminess and meltability.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that beautiful stretchy, bubbly topping.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a herbaceous, aromatic kick to the meat.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Simple spices that elevate the overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic but necessary to balance the taste.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a touch of color and a fresh herbal finish.

---

How To Make the Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Boil and Drain the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Build the Marinara Base

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Stir in the Velveeta

Reduce the heat to low and add chunks of Velveeta into the meat sauce. Stir gently until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the cheese-beef marinara mixture. Toss until every spiral is coated in the creamy, meaty sauce.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with delight.

---

Serving and Storing Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara

This dish is best served hot straight from the oven, with that gooey mozzarella still bubbling and golden. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete comfort meal. It also makes a crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks or casual gatherings.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature and transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals or bake at 350°F until warmed through.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure you melt Velveeta on low heat and stir continuously. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I substitute Velveeta with other cheeses?

You can use a mix of cheddar and cream cheese, but Velveeta provides unmatched creaminess. If substituting, melt cheeses slowly and add a splash of milk for smoother texture.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Use a marinara with minimal added sugar and a strong tomato base. Homemade or brands with basil and oregano enhance the Italian flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. But you can add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara if you like a kick.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble everything ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have rotini?

Penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni are great alternatives. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well.

---

Want More Cheesy Pasta Ideas?

If cheesy comfort food is your happy place, here are some other LadyPlate favorites you’ll want to try:

The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta offers a similar hearty experience with a different pasta twist. Or dig into the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe if you’re in the mood for something tangy and bold.

For a cheesy baked option, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti adds a creamy twist to a classic spaghetti night. Want something creamy but slightly smoky? The Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is calling your name.

Craving even more? The Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is another rotini-based dish that takes richness to a new level.

---

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food or pasta boards for later. Just hit that Pin button!

And if you give this a try, let me know in the comments—did you stick with Velveeta or put your own spin on the cheese blend? Did you add more herbs or sneak in veggies? I’d love to see how you made it your own.

For more of my daily kitchen creations, follow along on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?