Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and Velveeta cheese to create a rich and comforting meal the whole family will love. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s an easy go-to dinner that’s guaranteed to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – Velveeta creates a smooth, melty cheese sauce.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Kid-Friendly – A delicious meal even picky eaters will love.
- One-Pan Option – Minimal cleanup for busy nights.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- Diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add Garlic & Seasoning – Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce – Add diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Melt the Cheese – Stir in Velveeta cubes, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything – Add cooked pasta and mix until fully coated.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with green onions or parsley and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Meaty Upgrade: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Taco Twist: Add taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired version.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work just as well.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
Cheddar cheese with a little heavy cream makes a good substitute.
Can I make this in one pot?
Yes! Cook the pasta in the same skillet after browning the beef, then add the sauce ingredients.
How do I make it thicker?
Reduce the amount of broth or let the sauce simmer longer before adding pasta.
Can I add cheese on top and bake it?
Absolutely! Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes.
What’s a good side dish for this?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Stir constantly while melting, and use low heat to prevent separation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Will this work in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook beef first, then add everything except pasta. Stir in cooked pasta just before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan and adjust seasoning to taste.
Conclusion
Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. With its rich, melty cheese sauce and hearty ground beef, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love. Try it today for an easy, delicious dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!
PrintVelveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta
This Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal that comes together quickly with ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and melted Velveeta cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that both kids and adults will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (drained, optional for spice)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
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 heat, cook ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Drain excess grease and stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and Rotel (if using).
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Velveeta Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in Velveeta cubes, shredded cheddar (if using), and garlic powder.
- Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked pasta and cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese if desired.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or use hot Rotel.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey and Velveeta Light.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.