Cheesy Velveeta Tortellini Bake with Italian Beef Marinara
If you’re craving a quick and cheesy pasta dinner that brings together bold Italian flavors and creamy comfort, this Cheesy Velveeta Tortellini with Italian Beef Marinara is your new go-to! Packed with tender tortellini, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey Velveeta cheese, it’s the ultimate family-friendly comfort food.
Ingredients:
12 oz refrigerated or frozen tortellini pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil
Directions:
1. Boil the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
3. Season the Beef:
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Make It Cheesy:
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, coating them in the cheesy beef marinara sauce.
7. Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until melty or broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly golden finish.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, meaty pasta masterpiece!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approx. 530 per serving
Top Benefits of This Cheesy Velveeta Tortellini Dish
1. High in Protein
Thanks to the lean ground beef and cheese, this dish is packed with protein, which helps build muscle, keeps you full longer, and supports overall energy levels.
2. Quick & Easy One-Pan Meal
Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty homemade meal fast.
3. Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved
The creamy Velveeta, cheesy tortellini, and savory marinara sauce make it a hit with kids and adults alike. No picky eaters here!
4. Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Using affordable pantry staples like marinara sauce, pasta, and ground beef makes this dish easy on your wallet without sacrificing flavor.
5. Comfort Food at Its Best
Warm, cheesy, and satisfying this pasta bake delivers all the cozy comfort of a classic Italian-American dish, perfect for cold nights or when you need a little food hug.
6. Customizable
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or swap the protein for sausage or turkey. You can easily adjust it to fit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
7. Great for Meal Prep
This dish reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or preparing meals ahead for the week.
cheesy tortellini, velveeta recipes, italian beef marinara
