Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is creamy, hearty, and extremely easy to prepare. It uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and delivers bold, cheesy flavor that appeals to all ages.
Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta: Ultra-Cheesy Comfort Made Easy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish made with seasoned ground beef and a smooth, creamy Velveeta cheese sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add butter and diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add beef broth and milk, stirring to combine.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Stir constantly when melting Velveeta to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef provides hearty flavor and protein, forming the savory base of the dish.
Pasta creates structure and holds the creamy sauce well, making every bite satisfying.
Velveeta cheese is the star ingredient, melting smoothly into a rich, velvety sauce without clumping.
Butter adds richness and helps build the sauce base.
Onion brings subtle sweetness and depth that balances the cheese.
Garlic adds warmth and savory aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.
Milk helps loosen the sauce and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
Beef broth deepens the savory flavor and prevents heaviness.
Salt enhances and balances all components of the dish.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and contrast.
Paprika provides subtle smokiness and color.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and add the Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Allow the pasta to simmer gently for a few minutes before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 25 minutes. Total time is roughly 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy beef pasta
Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Extra cheesy version
Stir in additional Velveeta or shredded cheddar.
Vegetable-enhanced style
Add peas, bell peppers, or spinach for balance.
Tomato-cheese twist
Stir in a small amount of tomato sauce for depth.
Protein swap option
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
FAQs
What pasta works best?
Short pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells works best.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well.
Will Velveeta separate?
No, it is designed to melt smoothly.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Is this dish very rich?
It is creamy but balanced by the beef and pasta.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Can I add herbs?
Yes, parsley or oregano add freshness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild, creamy, and very popular with children.
Can I cook this in one pot?
Yes, with careful timing and stirring.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a large skillet and stir frequently.
Conclusion
Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta is a classic comfort dish that delivers rich, cheesy flavor with minimal effort. Smooth, hearty, and satisfying, it is a reliable recipe that works perfectly for busy weeknights, family dinners, and anytime you crave simple, comforting food.
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