Name: Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 3 cups marinara sauce; 12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

If comfort had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara. This dish is rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. Think classic spaghetti smothered in a velvety blend of Velveeta cheese and robust Italian-style marinara sauce, topped generously with seasoned ground beef and melty mozzarella.

It’s a dish that bridges nostalgia with indulgence. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners, this spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish. It’s a hearty, creamy casserole-style take on the traditional Italian-American staple, layered with flavor, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Ultra-Creamy Texture: Thanks to Velveeta, every bite is smooth and luscious.
Savory, Meaty Richness: The Italian-seasoned ground beef adds heartiness and bold flavor.
Perfect for Families: Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and makes enough for seconds.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s dinner made simple.
Crowd-Pleasing Casserole Style: Bakes beautifully and feeds a hungry group.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: To brown the beef and build the marinara base.
Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti to al dente perfection.
Mixing Bowl: To toss pasta with sauce and cheese evenly.
Baking Dish (9×13): Ideal for baking everything into a bubbly, golden casserole.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring sauces and ensuring nothing sticks.
Cheese Grater (if not using pre-shredded): To fresh-grate mozzarella for optimal melt.

Each of these tools plays a key role in making sure your spaghetti layers beautifully, the cheese melts just right, and cleanup stays manageable.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Spaghetti Pasta: This is the backbone of the dish, absorbing all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ground Beef: Lean beef seasoned Italian-style brings savory depth to the marinara.
Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato base that pairs perfectly with Velveeta and beef.
Velveeta Cheese: The secret to that unmistakable creamy, smooth texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty sharpness.
Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balance and seasoning.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of green freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Spaghetti with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Boil and Drain the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Marinara and Simmer

Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked beef. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Combine with Velveeta

Cube the Velveeta cheese and stir into the warm beef marinara until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with the creamy beef marinara mixture. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle mozzarella (and optional Parmesan) generously over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let cool slightly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

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

Serve this dish hot straight from the oven with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. It makes a comforting family dinner, potluck hit, or freezer-friendly meal prep.

Storing Tips:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Keeps up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk or marinara to restore creaminess.