Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

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Rich, cheesy, and irresistibly hearty, this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara is a comforting twist on traditional spaghetti. Melted Velveeta adds a velvety texture that clings to every strand of pasta, while the savory Italian-seasoned ground beef marinara offers depth and bold flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family to the table—ready for seconds before their plates are even clean.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe hits the sweet spot of comfort food and simplicity. It comes together in under an hour, uses pantry staples, and fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a satisfying dinner that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti, having the right tools at hand is key:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: You’ll need something deep enough to cook and combine the beef and sauce thoroughly without spills. Dutch ovens retain heat well and ensure even cooking.
• Pasta Pot with Strainer: A dedicated pot for boiling spaghetti with a built-in strainer or a separate colander will make draining easier and safer.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Cheese Grater (if adding extra cheese): Fresh grated cheese melts more evenly and adds a layer of flavor on top.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise ingredient additions, especially when seasoning or working with cheese quantities.

Each tool supports a smooth cooking process, from browning the beef to achieving the creamy, cheesy consistency of the final dish.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the sauce, offering richness and a savory depth that defines the marinara base.
• Spaghetti Noodles (12 oz): Classic and sturdy, perfect for absorbing all the creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Velveeta Cheese (8 oz, cubed): Brings the creamy, melty texture that transforms this from a basic pasta dish to something extraordinary.
• Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Forms the marinara sauce’s base with a robust tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the sauce with concentrated tomato richness.
• Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): Adds that signature herby flavor you expect from a good marinara.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and essential for layering flavor.
• Onion (1 small, chopped): Provides a sweet, savory foundation for the beef mixture.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the onions and garlic until golden and fragrant.
• Shredded Mozzarella (optional, for topping): Adds gooey, golden cheese melt on top when broiled or baked briefly.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor to finish the dish.

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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Marinara Base

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Add the cubed Velveeta cheese directly into the sauce. Stir continuously until completely melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cheesy beef marinara. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping

If you want that extra cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve hot.

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

This cheesy spaghetti is a comfort meal on its own, but you can round it out with simple sides. Serve with warm garlic bread, a fresh Caesar or garden salad, or even roasted veggies for added balance. For gatherings or weeknight meals, transfer it to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly for a more dramatic, oven-finished version.

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully. Store any remaining spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave covered in 60-second bursts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Velveeta different from other cheeses?

Velveeta melts more smoothly than natural cheese, which makes it perfect for achieving that creamy, uniform texture in pasta dishes without clumping.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just season it well to match the richness of beef.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s mild and family-friendly, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you prefer heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and pasta, combine them, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Do I have to bake the mozzarella on top?

Nope! It’s totally optional. But if you’re after that golden, gooey finish, broiling it adds an extra layer of indulgence.

What pasta shape can I use besides spaghetti?

Rotini, penne, or fettuccine all work well—just pick a shape that holds sauce nicely.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy and satisfying pasta recipes from Life With Olivia:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a veggie-filled, creamy bake.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole when you want indulgence without the fuss.
• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for a sweet and smoky flavor twist.
• Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you’re craving a creamy white sauce vibe.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini that hits all the right comfort food notes.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you broil the mozzarella or skip it? Add a twist of your own?

I always love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions, share feedback, or drop your favorite pasta pairings below!

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