Velveeta Linguine with Italian Beef Marinara
Velveeta Linguine with Italian Beef Marinara is a quick, creamy, and hearty pasta dish combining smooth, melty Velveeta cheese with a savory Italian beef marinara sauce tossed through perfectly cooked linguine. This comforting meal, ready in under 30 minutes, blends authentic Italian flavors with rich cheese and tender ground beef, making it a family-friendly and crowd-pleasing option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Ingredients
Pasta
- Linguine pasta, 12 oz (about 3/4 box)
Cheese
- Velveeta cheese, 8 oz (cut into cubes)
Meat and Sauce
- Ground Italian beef, 1 lb
- Marinara sauce, 2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
Aromatics & Seasonings
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Onion, 1 medium (finely chopped)
- Garlic, 3 cloves (minced)
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, 2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Prepare the Italian Beef Marinara: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground Italian beef, cooking until browned and cooked through while breaking up any clumps. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Marinara and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir in Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Incorporate Velveeta Cheese: Add cubed Velveeta cheese to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked linguine gently into the Velveeta Italian beef marinara sauce until every strand is coated. Serve immediately garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
Notes
- Use reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
- Add Velveeta cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure smooth texture.
- Brown ground beef well for enhanced depth and flavor in the sauce.
- Season in layers with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for a balanced taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs to add color and brightness to the rich dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Velveeta linguine, Italian beef marinara, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, cheesy pasta, one-pot meal, comfort food
