Dreamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Yummy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this velveeta beef & bowtie pasta that promises creamy, cheesy goodness in every single bite.

Melted cheese coats tender pasta and perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a dish that screams home-style satisfaction.

This one-pot wonder brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients for a meal that comes together faster than you can say “dinner is served.” The rich, golden sauce swirls around each bowtie pasta, making every forkful irresistibly delicious.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds, this pasta promises to become your new go-to meal when hunger strikes.

Grab a fork and prepare for a culinary embrace that will warm both your plate and your heart.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

For Pasta Base:
  • Bowtie Pasta: Captures creamy sauce perfectly with its charming bow-shaped design; choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.
  • Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor during boiling; use kosher or sea salt for richer taste.
For Protein And Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor; select lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for balanced taste.
  • Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth to the dish; choose fresh yellow onions for classic flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Delivers aromatic warmth and complexity; fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced versions.
For Sauce And Seasoning Components:
  • Velveeta Cheese: Creates ultra-smooth, creamy sauce with signature melt; room temperature cubes incorporate more easily.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy cheese flavor; sharp varieties provide more robust taste.
  • Milk: Helps create silky cheese sauce consistency; whole milk works best for richness.
  • Rotel Tomatoes: Adds zesty, spicy undertone with diced tomatoes and green chilies.
  • Beef Broth: Deepens overall meat flavor and provides moisture; low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
  • Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Build layered, complex seasoning profile.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish with herbal notes.

Gear To Make Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of room for water and noodles.
  • Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and creating the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add spices and seasonings.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for chopping onions and garlic.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient prep.

Simple Method For Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

  • Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet and cook ground beef until it’s crispy and golden. Drain any extra fat and toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re fragrant and soft.

  • Create a Flavor-Packed Base

Pour in zesty Rotel tomatoes and rich beef broth. Sprinkle in a medley of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let everything bubble and mingle for a few minutes to develop deep, mouthwatering flavors.

  • Craft the Cheesy Sauce

Lower the heat and drop in cubes of velvety Velveeta cheese. Splash in some milk and stir constantly until the cheese transforms into a luxurious, smooth sauce. For extra indulgence, mix in some shredded cheddar for a tangy kick.

  • Cook the Pasta

While creating the sauce, boil bowtie pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and get ready to bring everything together.

  • Marry the Ingredients

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture. Let it all simmer together for a couple of minutes, ensuring every pasta twist is coated in cheesy goodness.

  • Serve and Savor

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Dish up this comforting meal and enjoy every delicious bite!

Tricks For Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

  • Meal Prep Magic: Cook the entire dish ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners super easy.
  • Cheese Swap Strategy: Replace Velveeta with cream cheese or monterey jack for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version of this comfort dish.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick without changing core recipe ingredients.
  • Family-Friendly Adaptation: For picky eaters, serve cheese sauce separately or let everyone customize their own portion with optional toppings like green onions or crispy bacon bits.

How To Serve Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pasta dish as the star of your evening meal, gathering everyone around the table for a comforting, cheesy experience.
  • Fresh Green Companions: Pair the creamy pasta with a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli to add a light, nutritious balance to the rich beef and cheese flavors.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this recipe into a perfect potluck or sports watching party dish by serving in a large cast-iron skillet, letting guests scoop directly from the pan.
  • Lunch Box Magic: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps its creamy texture.

Save Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Right

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion pasta into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk when warming to restore creamy texture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent sauce separation.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare beef mixture and pasta separately to maintain optimal texture. Combine just before serving to keep pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.
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Dreamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Velveeta beef & bowtie pasta delivers rich, cheesy comfort in one hearty skillet meal. Quick preparation and simple ingredients make this dish a family favorite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 8 oz (227 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving for later integration.
  2. Meat Foundation: Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, fragmenting into golden-brown morsels. Drain excess fat, then introduce finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Add Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, and a symphony of seasonings including salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer to marry the flavor profiles and develop depth.
  4. Cheese Transformation: Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually melt Velveeta cheese cubes into the mixture, incorporating milk and stirring consistently. Fold in additional shredded cheddar to create a multi-layered, creamy sauce.
  5. Final Fusion: Reunite cooked pasta with the cheese mixture, ensuring every pasta piece is luxuriously coated. Warm through to create a harmonious, comforting dish that melds all ingredients into a cohesive culinary experience.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley, serving immediately to capture the peak of temperature and creamy texture.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook bowtie pasta al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a slight bite that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
  • Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat after browning to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Velveeta and milk gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce without scorching.
  • Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt and spices cautiously, as Rotel tomatoes and beef broth already contribute significant flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 482
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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