Short Description
Creamy Velveeta beef & bowtie pasta is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a luscious Velveeta cheese sauce. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super creamy and cheesy – Velveeta creates a smooth, melty sauce.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a fast dinner.
- One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with simple ingredients.
- Kid-friendly – A comforting and delicious dish the whole family will love.
- Customizable – Add veggies, extra spices, or different cheeses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- Milk
- Beef broth
- Diced tomatoes (canned, drained)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Make the sauce – Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Melt the cheese – Add cubed Velveeta and milk, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
- Combine everything – Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta and stir until well coated.
- Serve and enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Extra cheesy – Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
- Veggie-packed – Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Lighter option – Use ground turkey and reduced-fat Velveeta.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work well too.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
Try shredded cheddar mixed with a little cream cheese for a similar texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
How do I make the sauce thinner?
Add a little extra milk or beef broth while stirring.
Can I add more protein?
Yes! Try adding cooked sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir in cooked pasta before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 1½ cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting too thick?
Stir in a little extra milk or broth before serving to keep it smooth.
Conclusion
Creamy Velveeta beef & bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it tonight for a creamy, satisfying meal!
PrintCreamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich Velveeta cheese sauce, this dish is a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 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 for spice)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes (if using), beef broth, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Melt the Velveeta
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add Velveeta cheese cubes and milk.
- Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce (3-4 minutes).
- If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Let everything heat together for 2 minutes, stirring gently.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Use hot Rotel or add ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Thicker Sauce: Stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.
- Meat Swap: Try with ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.