When you’re craving pure, unadulterated comfort food that’s quick, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this Cheesy Velveeta Rotini is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, combining savory ground beef, a rich marinara sauce, and not one, but two kinds of cheese for ultimate creaminess and flavor. This dish is designed to be a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that comes together in a flash and delivers on big, cheesy taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true go-to in my kitchen because it perfectly embodies the concept of “comfort food made easy.” What I love most about it is the magical way Velveeta cheese melts into the marinara sauce, creating an unbelievably creamy, smooth, and luscious coating for every piece of pasta. It takes a simple beef marinara to a whole new level of richness.

It’s also incredibly efficient. Everything comes together in one large skillet after the pasta is cooked, minimizing cleanup. The balance of savory seasoned beef, tangy marinara, and that irresistible cheesy sauce makes for a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to comfort food connoisseurs, and it’s guaranteed to disappear from the table in record time!

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Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Pasta: Rotini is great for capturing sauce, but penne, ziti, or cavatappi would also work well.
• Ground Beef: 80/20 ground beef provides good flavor and moisture. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality jarred marinara sauce you enjoy. You can also use homemade if you have it. My Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a great base if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Velveeta Cheese: This is key for the creamy, smooth texture. There isn’t a direct substitute for Velveeta’s unique melting properties.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds an extra layer of meltiness and classic cheese flavor.
• Seasoning: Adjust garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to your preference. Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth; omit for no spice.
• Herbs for Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil brightens the dish and adds a lovely aroma.

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Directions:

This cheesy pasta dish comes together quickly in a few straightforward steps, largely in one pan!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (a deep, wide skillet or Dutch oven works best for this entire dish) over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it browns, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Season the Beef: Add the 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the browned ground beef. Stir well to combine the seasonings into the beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer with Marinara: Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Melt in Velveeta: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the simmering beef and marinara sauce. Stir continuously until the Velveeta is completely melted and incorporated into a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the cheesy beef marinara mixture. Toss everything together until every twisty piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce.
7. Add Mozzarella & Finish: Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 3 minutes (off the heat or on very low heat) until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, for a beautiful golden finish, you can transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) to a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
8. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this incredibly cheesy and satisfying meal!

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Pro Tip:

For the creamiest, most satisfying sauce, ensure your Velveeta is cut into smaller cubes before adding it to the hot sauce. This helps it melt quickly and evenly. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings (especially salt and pepper) after the Velveeta has melted, as Velveeta itself adds some saltiness.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini is a complete, hearty meal on its own, perfect for feeding a hungry family.

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Other Cheesy Favorites: If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy, and easy comfort foods, consider serving this alongside a bowl of This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers for a truly indulgent spread.
• Family-Friendly Meals: This dish fits perfectly into a rotation of easy, crowd-pleasing dinners, similar to my This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This cheesy rotini makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• Storage: Store any leftover Cheesy Velveeta Rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, stirring occasionally.
• Sauce Consistency: The Velveeta sauce may become very thick when cold. Adding a little liquid during reheating will help restore its creamy texture.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the pasta texture might be slightly softer upon thawing. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this pasta dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make casserole, check out my This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.
• If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting pasta dishes, don’t miss This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
• For another cheesy, crowd-pleasing baked dish, consider These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
• And for a truly classic Italian-American comfort food, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create maximum comfort and flavor. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, cheesy meal without all the fuss. Dive into this incredibly satisfying pasta dish, and prepare to add it to your list of family favorites!

What’s your secret ingredient for a super cheesy pasta dish? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.