Creamy Beef and Rotini Pasta Recipe
Comfort food at its finest, creamy Velveeta beef and rotini pasta is a hearty, rich dish that combines savory ground beef with velvety cheese sauce and tender pasta. The rotini’s spiral shape holds sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated in creamy goodness. Velveeta cheese, known for its smooth melt and mild flavor, creates a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the beef.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but straightforward, or for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and invites customization with veggies, spices, or different cheeses.
Preparing Ingredients and Mise en Place
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Dice onion finely.
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Mince garlic cloves.
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Measure out rotini pasta and Velveeta cubes.
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Optional: chop any vegetables.
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Have cooking utensils ready (large skillet, pot for pasta, wooden spoon).
Cooking the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add rotini and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
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Test for al dente texture — pasta should be tender but still firm.
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Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Browning the Ground Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
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Cook until no longer pink and nicely browned (about 6-8 minutes).
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Drain excess fat to avoid greasy sauce.
Sautéing Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add a little butter or oil.
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Sauté diced onions until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
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Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aroma without burning.
Combining Beef and Aromatics
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Return browned beef to skillet with onions and garlic.
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Stir to combine and cook for another minute for flavor melding.
Making the Velveeta Cheese Sauce
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Add cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet.
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Pour in milk or cream gradually (start with 1 cup, adjust for desired consistency).
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Stir gently over low heat until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.
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Avoid boiling sauce to prevent separation.
Seasoning the Sauce
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Add salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning to taste.
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Taste and adjust seasoning for balance — Velveeta is mild and may need extra punch.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
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Add cooked rotini to the cheese sauce.
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Toss gently to coat pasta evenly.
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If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
Adding Optional Vegetables
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Stir in cooked or sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or shredded cheese.
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Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Creamy Beef and Rotini Pasta Recipe
Comfort food at its finest, creamy Velveeta beef and rotini pasta is a hearty, rich dish that combines savory ground beef with velvety cheese sauce and tender pasta. The rotini’s spiral shape holds sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated in creamy goodness. Velveeta cheese, known for its smooth melt and mild flavor, creates a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery soup)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the beef and aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). - Make the cheese sauce:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Velveeta cheese cubes, milk, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. - Season:
Add black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. - Combine:
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese and beef sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Soup swap: Cream of chicken or cream of broccoli soup can be used instead of mushroom.
- Add veggies: Stir in cooked peas, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese options: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.