Description

Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara is a cheesy, comforting pasta dish perfect for cozy dinners or easy weeknight meals. Featuring tender rigatoni, rich beef marinara, and smooth Velveeta cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser with bold flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1 pound ground beef

16 ounces Velveeta cheese

28 ounces crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil, optional

1/4 cup milk or pasta water

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned.

4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.

5. In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt Velveeta cheese with a splash of milk or pasta water. Stir until smooth.

6. Combine the cooked rigatoni with the beef marinara in the skillet.

7. Pour in the cheese sauce and gently mix until fully coated.

8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Use al dente pasta to avoid mushiness after combining with sauce.

Don’t rush the simmering step; it deepens the sauce flavor.

Adjust spice and salt based on personal taste and Velveeta’s mildness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 620
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg