Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomatoes with green chilies, and rich Velveeta cheese, this pasta delivers an indulgent yet simple meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb ground beef (use a good-quality beef for richer flavor)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup beef broth (use a good-quality beef broth for richer flavor)
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (cube the Velveeta for quick melting)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds sharpness against the Velveeta’s creaminess)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing until fully coated with the cheese sauce.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out while stirring.
• For extra color and texture, stir in frozen corn or chopped bell peppers along with the tomatoes.
• Use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or shells—just be sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture.

Is Velveeta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Velveeta gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can substitute with processed cheese or a combination of cream cheese and cheddar for a similar effect.

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and rich dish featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a velvety cheese sauce made with Velveeta and sharp cheddar, combined with savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and a touch of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of creamy, cheesy flavor and a hint of spice.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (use good-quality beef for richer flavor)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup beef broth (use good-quality broth for richer flavor)
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juices), beef broth, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Melt the Velveeta: Reduce the heat to low and add the Velveeta cheese cubes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy beef and cheese sauce.
6. Add Cheddar and Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and allow it to melt slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk and stir until desired consistency is reached.
• For extra color and crunch, stir in frozen corn or chopped bell peppers when adding the tomatoes and broth.
• Use fresh garlic and good-quality beef broth for best flavor.
• This dish can be customized with additional spices or vegetables to your taste.

Keywords: beef pasta,bowtie pasta,creamy pasta recipes,Velveeta recipes,weeknight dinners,cheesy beef pasta,comfort food