Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

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If you’re craving a weeknight comfort dish that comes together with melty cheese, bold marinara, and hearty beef, this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara is the one to make. It’s spaghetti night—but with a creamy twist that sets it apart from your classic red sauce pasta.

The richness of Velveeta melts perfectly into a savory beef marinara, creating a velvety texture that clings to each strand of pasta. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you get that restaurant-style indulgence at home in under 30 minutes. It’s a meal the whole family will request again and again.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are the perfect vehicle for this creamy, cheesy marinara. They offer just the right amount of surface area for the sauce to coat without becoming overly heavy. If you prefer a different shape, linguine or fettuccine can work beautifully, too. Just avoid delicate pastas like angel hair, which may get lost in the richness of the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

• Ground Beef: Provides a meaty, hearty base that gives the marinara its classic Italian depth.
• Velveeta Cheese: The star of the show. It melts into the sauce, making it ultra-creamy and smooth.
• Spaghetti Pasta: Long noodles hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook them al dente for the best bite.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade version. It’s the base of the sauce and brings all the Italian flavors.
• Garlic & Onion: Sautéed into the beef for savory aromatics that build flavor from the start.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and bring everything together.
• Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of freshness.

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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This step sets the base for that irresistible flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Add the Marinara

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to combine with the cooked beef. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Melt in the Velveeta

Cut Velveeta cheese into cubes and add to the sauce. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns creamy and velvety. Lower the heat to avoid burning.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss well until all noodles are thoroughly coated. Let it sit for a minute or two to soak in the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Plate the creamy Velveeta spaghetti and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that cheesy, savory goodness.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

This dish is best served hot, fresh off the stovetop, when the cheese is at its creamiest. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a little extra indulgence, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or red pepper flakes.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta over medium heat on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Velveeta should I use?

Original Velveeta block cheese is ideal for this recipe because it melts smoothly and evenly, but the shredded or mini blocks also work in a pinch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Is there a substitute for Velveeta?

If you’re not a Velveeta fan, try using cream cheese and shredded cheddar, though the texture will be a bit thicker and less smooth.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing isn’t recommended because creamy sauces made with processed cheese can separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

How do I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce during the simmering step.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner option and still works deliciously with the creamy marinara base.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara hit the spot, you’ll love trying out these flavorful pasta dinners next:

• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you love cheesy, kid-approved favorites.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a bold, savory twist.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli that blends veggies and pasta beautifully.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you’re craving something meaty and comforting.
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner for a busy night solution packed with flavor.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can make it again and again.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms or maybe spicy sausage instead of ground beef? Did you double up on the cheese?

I love hearing how you bring your own twist to these recipes. Questions or swaps welcome—let’s help each other cook with more confidence.

Hungry for more comfort food inspiration? Browse my latest recipes on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes.

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