Description
Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort dish! This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara is the kind of meal that wraps you in a cheesy, savory hug. Creamy Velveeta cheese melts into a rich Italian-style beef marinara, coating every swirl of rotini pasta with mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a cozy weeknight family meal, or a quick pasta bake that’s reheatable and satisfying—this is your go-to. It’s the perfect blend of hearty, cheesy, and comforting. This easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your food ideas rotation for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Lower heat and stir in Velveeta cubes until melted into a creamy sauce.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix pasta with cheese sauce and pour into baking dish.
7. Top with mozzarella and parmesan if desired.
8. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra golden crust, broil for 2 minutes after baking.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal