Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

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Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara is a weeknight dinner dream come true. It’s got the comfort of a rich cheesy pasta bake and the hearty soul of Italian-seasoned beef, all tucked into one delicious skillet meal. Each rigatoni tube cradles that creamy Velveeta sauce, while the ground beef marinara adds a layer of savory depth with every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or craving something extra satisfying after a long day, this dish delivers all the cheesy comfort food vibes you’re after. It’s melty, meaty, and incredibly easy to put together with everyday ingredients. You’ll have it on the table in under 45 minutes and trust me—it tastes like it took twice that.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Cheesy Bake?

Rigatoni is the top pick for this dish because its wide tubes and ridged surface cling beautifully to sauces. That said, penne or ziti could also work in a pinch if you’re out of rigatoni. Just don’t go with thinner pastas—they won’t hold up to the richness of the Velveeta and the chunky beef marinara.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

• Rigatoni Pasta – Its shape makes it perfect for soaking up the creamy cheese and beefy sauce.
• Ground Beef – The base of the Italian-style marinara. A lean blend works best for less grease.
• Velveeta Cheese – The creamy magic that gives the dish its signature melt and richness.
• Crushed Tomatoes – A tangy tomato base that balances the creamy cheese.
• Garlic & Onion – For aromatics that build that homemade marinara depth.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that makes the beef taste like it simmered all day.
• Mozzarella Cheese – For a stretchy, melty finish when the dish is baked.
• Olive Oil – To sauté the aromatics and coat the pasta lightly.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the meat and sauce to perfection.

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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Stir in the Velveeta

Reduce the heat to low and add cubed Velveeta cheese to the beef marinara. Stir continuously until fully melted and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and gently fold it into the sauce until each piece is coated in the cheesy beef mixture.

Step 7: Finish with Mozzarella

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. For a golden top, broil in the oven-safe skillet for a few minutes.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara

This pasta is best served hot straight from the skillet, when the cheese is melty and gooey. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a little extra flair. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a full meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the cheese sauce can become grainy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef marinara and cook the pasta in advance. Combine and store separately, then reheat and mix just before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Velveeta gives it a signature smooth texture, but you can substitute with a blend of cheddar and cream cheese for a similar richness.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Absolutely. Try stirring in spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.

What ground meat alternatives work best?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage are great options if you’re looking to mix it up or lighten the dish.

How do I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef while browning, or stir in a dash of hot sauce to the final sauce for a bit of heat.

Can I make it in the oven as a baked pasta?

Yes! After combining everything in a baking dish, top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the creamy-meets-hearty comfort of this rigatoni bake, check out these other flavorful favorites:

• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for another cheesy twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta when you want a rich, garlic-kissed dinner.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta for that extra kick of heat and umami.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a family favorite that never fails.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty yet comforting weeknight treat.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever the comfort food craving hits.

And if you made it, let me know! Did you stick with Velveeta or try something new? Add extra veggies? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own in the comments.

For more cheesy, hearty dinners and sweet bites, follow me on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes. Let’s keep your menu fresh and delicious all week long.

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