Sometimes a recipe comes along that feels like a warm hug on a plate—this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara is exactly that kind of comfort food. Rich, cheesy, and loaded with hearty Italian-seasoned beef, it blends the nostalgia of Velveeta with the robust flavors of a slow-simmered marinara. It’s weeknight-friendly but satisfying enough for a cozy family dinner.
What makes this dish irresistible is the creamy sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti, turning a classic Italian-style pasta into a melty, savory delight. The combination of tangy marinara and velvety cheese brings together the best of both worlds—traditional Italian comfort and American-style cheesy indulgence.
What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?
You can use classic spaghetti noodles, but if you’d like to change things up, try angel hair for a lighter texture or fettuccine for a heartier bite. Whole wheat pasta can add a nutty depth, while gluten-free options keep it inclusive for everyone. The sauce is creamy and coats any pasta well, so you really can’t go wrong with your choice.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara
- Spaghetti noodles – The base of the dish, providing the perfect texture for soaking up the creamy, cheesy marinara.
- Ground beef (Italian seasoned or with added spices) – Brings a rich, savory flavor and protein to the sauce.
- Velveeta cheese – The star ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy, luscious texture.
- Marinara sauce – Adds acidity, depth, and that classic Italian tomato essence.
- Onion – Builds aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with beef and tomatoes.
- Garlic – Essential for authentic Italian depth and warmth.
- Olive oil – Used for sautéing and enhancing richness.
- Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend) – Elevates the beef marinara into a fragrant sauce.
- Salt & pepper – Balances and enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish) – Adds freshness and color before serving.


How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Build the Marinara Base
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Melt in the Velveeta
Cut Velveeta cheese into cubes and slowly stir them into the simmering beef marinara. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy, velvety sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing until every strand is coated in the cheesy beef marinara. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara
This dish is best enjoyed hot off the stove, when the sauce is silky and coats the pasta perfectly. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture.
For freezing, it’s best to store the sauce separately from the pasta. The Velveeta sauce reheats well but may need a little stirring and thinning with liquid once thawed.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara?
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate companion to soak up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with creamy dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables
A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli roasted with olive oil and herbs balances the cheesy richness.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic drizzle lighten the meal with bright flavors.
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
A crispy, cheesy potato side that pairs beautifully with Italian-inspired dishes.
Antipasto Platter
Olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables add variety and keep the Italian theme going.
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
Quick and easy, they bring a crunchy freshness to the meal.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with tomato, basil, and olive oil for a classic starter.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara, you’ll want to try a few more pasta favorites from SavorQueen:
- Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for another cheesy, family-friendly dinner.
- Classic Spaghetti Carbonara for a traditional Italian touch.
- Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet when you crave bold, spicy flavors.
- Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a creamy, garlicky delight.
Save This Pin For Later
Keep this creamy pasta recipe handy by saving it to your favorite Pinterest board.
Tried it with a little twist? Maybe extra herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes? Share your version in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite pasta might be waiting there!

Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Craving a cozy, cheesy pasta that still comes together fast? This Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara wraps silky melted cheese around tender spaghetti and a robust, Italian-seasoned beef marinara. It’s a family favorite that tastes like a weekend treat but fits any busy weeknight—simple ingredients, one skillet for the sauce, and loads of comfort. Perfect for easy dinner nights, pasta night, and last-minute food ideas when you want big flavor without fuss. Great for dinner ideas and even next-day lunches, this easy recipe will slide right into your rotation.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean)
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
24 oz marinara sauce
8 oz Velveeta, cubed
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion 3 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in marinara; simmer 8-10 minutes so flavors meld. Add red pepper flakes if using.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta cubes; stir until fully melted and creamy. Splash in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
6. Toss in cooked spaghetti until coated. Garnish with parsley and serve (with Parmesan if you like).
Notes
For extra depth, brown the beef hard to develop fond before adding marinara—scrape those browned bits into the sauce.
Sauce too thick after cooling? Reheat gently with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore the silky texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 61
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 87
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta, velveeta, spaghetti, weeknight meal, beef marinara, comfort food