🧀 Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta with Cheesy Cream Sauce 🍝
The ultimate comfort dish packed with flavor, warmth, and creamy, cheesy goodness.
When you’re craving something rich, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family, this Velveeta Beef Rigatoni is the answer. Think juicy seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce made from Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and creamy soup—all baked into one unforgettable dish.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy pasta bake to life:
- 2.25 lbs ground beef
- 1 box rigatoni pasta (16 oz), cooked al dente
- 1 big block Velveeta cheese, cubed (about 16 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies (undrained)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, parsley, or crushed red pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
✅ Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
✅ Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Drain excess fat, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
✅ Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
To the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Rotel tomatoes (with juice)
- Cubed Velveeta cheese
Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
✅ Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheesy beef mixture.
Stir until everything is evenly coated in that luscious, creamy sauce.
✅ Step 5: Serve or Bake (Optional)
You can:
- Serve it as-is, right from the stovetop for a creamy skillet meal
- OR transfer everything to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish
🧄 Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up: Use hot Rotel or add jalapeños or cayenne pepper
- Veggie boost: Toss in corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers
- Swap the soup: Cream of mushroom or cheddar soup work great too
- Make it a casserole: Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy crust
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~640 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
🥄 Final Thoughts
This Velveeta Beef Rigatoni Pasta is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table fast.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something creamy and satisfying, this recipe never disappoints.
With minimal effort and big flavor, it’s comfort food at its absolute finest.
