Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe that your whole family will love? Look no further than Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce! This dish combines creamy cheese, hearty beef, and tender pasta into a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or any special occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a winner because it’s simple to make and packed with flavor. The combination of Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the rigatoni beautifully. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days. Everyone will ask for seconds!

How to Make Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce

Ingredients

1 big block Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies (undrained)
2.25 lbs ground beef
8 oz rigatoni pasta (or bowtie/farfalle)
(Optional) 1 cup reserved pasta water (to thin sauce)

Directions

Prepare rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving up to 1 cup pasta water.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta cubes, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel (with juice) to the beef. Stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth.
Stir cooked pasta into the cheesy beef mixture. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce needs thinning.
Heat through, then serve warm.

How to Serve Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce

Serve this dish warm in bowls. You can top it with extra cheese or some chopped green onions for added flavor and color. A side salad or some crusty bread would make a great addition to the meal.

How to Store Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a little water or milk to restore the creaminess.

Tips to Make Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce

Make sure to stir the cheese mixture well to avoid lumps.
If you like a little spice, consider using a spicier version of Rotel tomatoes.
You can add some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.

Variation

Feel free to switch up the pasta type! Bowtie or farfalle pasta also works great in this recipe. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat versions of Velveeta and cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy flavor and pasta make it a hit with kids and adults alike!