Creamy Cheesy Spaghetti

Name: Creamy Cheesy Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 2 (24 oz) jars tomato and garlic pasta sauce; 16 oz processed cheese block (like Velveeta); 1 box frozen garlic breadsticks; Cooking spray

This creamy cheesy spaghetti combines ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted processed cheese for a rich, comforting pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes. It's a straightforward weeknight dinner designed to appeal to kids and busy families.

🌍American 🏷️Spaghetti 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Cheesy pasta 🏷️Ground beef Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight dinner

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
2 (24 oz) jars tomato and garlic pasta sauce
16 oz processed cheese block (like Velveeta)
1 box frozen garlic breadsticksoptional
Cooking sprayoptional

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
2
In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3
Add the cooked ground beef to the pot with the drained spaghetti.
4
Pour in both jars of pasta sauce.
5
Stir everything together to combine.
6
Cut the processed cheese block into small cubes.
7
Add the cheese cubes to the spaghetti mixture and stir over low-medium heat.
8
Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and slightly orange in color.
9
Optionally, prepare garlic breadsticks by spraying a baking sheet with cooking spray, arranging the breadsticks, and baking according to package directions.
10
Serve the cheesy spaghetti hot, with the garlic breadsticks on the side.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding sauce to avoid a greasy dish.
Shred or cube the cheese block and add it off the heat or at very low temperature, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Cook spaghetti to al dente; it will soften slightly when combined with the warm sauce.
Taste and season with salt and pepper after combining everything, as the cheese adds saltiness.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground turkey or Italian sausage (note: adjust browning time for sausage)
Processed cheese block → evaporated milk mixed with shredded sharp cheddar (note: add slowly and stir constantly to emulsify)
Jarred pasta sauce → homemade tomato sauce or marinara (note: simmer longer to reduce excess liquid)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh cheese instead of processed cheese block?

Processed cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce. Fresh cheese like cheddar may separate or clump; add it slowly off heat and stir constantly if substituting.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from breaking?

Keep heat at medium or lower, stir constantly when adding cheese, and ensure the sauce is not boiling when the cheese goes in.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Cook the spaghetti and meat sauce separately, store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, then combine and warm gently before serving. Add cheese just before serving.