Description
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish with Italian-seasoned beef is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian-seasoned beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once finished, drain the rigatoni and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. Following this, add the ground Italian-seasoned beef into the skillet. As the beef cooks, break it apart using a spatula and stir occasionally until it’s browned. This browning adds depth of flavor to your dish, so don’t rush it!
- Now, pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This is your opportunity to let the beef soak up the marinara flavor.
- Once your sauce is simmering, lower the heat further and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts evenly, creating a rich, creamy sauce. This step is crucial, so take your time to allow the cheese to blend thoroughly with the sauce.
- Add the boiled rigatoni pasta to the cheesy marinara sauce. Gently toss the pasta with the sauce to ensure each piece is well-coated. The combination of flavors and textures will be irresistible!
- If you want to add an extra cheesy layer, transfer the creamy rigatoni to an oven-safe dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely as it becomes bubbly and golden—they’re the perfect finishing touches!
- Once finished, serve hot and savor every bite of your delightful Creamy Velveeta Rigatoni with Italian Beef Marinara. Enjoy the compliments!
Notes
For a vegan option, use plant-based ground meat substitutes and dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 25 g