Velveeta Linguine Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
If you’re in search of a dinner that hits all the right notes—comforting, cheesy, filling, and fast—this Velveeta Linguine is the answer. Think savory marinara, juicy ground beef, and two types of melty cheese tangled with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a weeknight miracle and a family favorite that vanishes in minutes.
💛 Why I Love This Velveeta Linguine Recipe
There’s something nostalgic about Velveeta. It melts like a dream and brings that creamy richness you just can’t get from anything else. Combined with pasta and seasoned beef, it becomes an indulgent, stick-to-your-ribs meal that reminds me of cheesy casseroles from my childhood—but better. Plus, it’s a one-pan cleanup dream.
🧄 Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 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)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
🔁 Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Velveeta substitute? Use 1 cup of American cheese or processed cheddar, but nothing melts quite like Velveeta.
- Want it spicy? Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef and don’t skip the red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-free? Swap for gluten-free linguine and make sure your marinara is GF-certified.
- Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or diced bell peppers go great in this.
👨🍳 How to Make Velveeta Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Season It Up
Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Sauce It
Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy
Add the Velveeta cheese cubes to the skillet. Stir until completely melted into the marinara for a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and gently toss to coat every strand with that dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted. For a crispy top, broil for 3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve & Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
✅ Tips for Success
- Drain grease well: This keeps your sauce rich but not greasy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
- Broil for crunch: Want that golden top? Use a broiler for a few minutes to finish.
🥗 What to Serve with Velveeta Linguine
This dish is filling on its own, but these sides and drinks complement it beautifully:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Try it with a glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti work great)
- Or cool off with this refreshing Blueberry Lemonade
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat:
- Microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Or warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing? You can freeze it, but Velveeta changes texture slightly. If freezing, undercook the pasta just a touch.
📌 More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Love:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
💬 Final Thoughts
Velveeta Linguine is the kind of comfort food that just feels like home—cheesy, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Make it your go-to when you need something quick, cozy, and crowd-pleasing.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterestfor more cheesy, saucy, comforting goodness.
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