The Creamiest Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Craving a quick weeknight meal that screams comfort in every velveeta beef bowtie pasta bite?

Cheesy goodness meets hearty protein in this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

The creamy sauce coats each pasta shape like a warm culinary hug, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Rich beef and melty cheese create a magical combination that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by how something so easy can taste so incredibly delicious.

Your dinner table is about to become the happiest place on earth.

Why Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Is A Comfort Classic

• Whip Up a Speedy Comfort Meal: This Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta delivers delicious results in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you're craving something hearty and satisfying.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Easily adapt the recipe by switching ground beef for turkey, adding different spices, or incorporating extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to match your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy texture and rich beef flavor, making this a go-to dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend meals that everyone will enjoy.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple recipe that requires minimal dishes, combining pasta, beef, and cheese sauce in a single skillet for maximum convenience and minimal mess.

What’s Inside Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that provides substantial protein for the dish. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Bowtie Pasta: Playful pasta shape that catches sauce perfectly. Use classic semolina pasta for best texture.

• Velveeta Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Sharp cheddar adds extra flavor depth.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds savory undertones. Fresh ingredients provide more robust flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice blend that elevates overall taste profile. Adjust to personal preference.

• Butter, Flour, Milk: Essential components for creating a traditional cheese sauce roux. Whole milk provides richness.

• Rotel, Garlic Powder: Optional ingredients that boost spice and flavor complexity. Fresh herbs like parsley work great for garnish.

Easy Instructions For Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to make the pasta sing with flavor. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook until it’s tender but still has a little bite. Once done, drain and set aside – these little pasta bows are ready for their cheesy adventure!

Step 2: Brown the Beefy Base

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Rotel tomatoes (optional but awesome)

Let everything mingle and simmer for a few minutes, then set aside.

Step 3: Create the Ultimate Cheese Sauce

In another pan, start melting butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like you mean it – create a smooth, golden roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens up beautifully. Now for the star of the show – cheese time!

• Velveeta cubes
• Shredded cheddar
• Garlic powder

Stir until the cheese transforms into a silky, dreamy sauce that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the magical cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef. Add those waiting bowtie pasta. Stir everything until each piece is coated in cheesy, beefy goodness. Let it heat through, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop this delicious creation onto plates. Want to make it extra special? Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top or add a handful of extra cheese. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side. Dinner is served, and it’s going to be amazing!

Cooking Tips For Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Ensure al dente texture by salting water generously and testing pasta 1-2 minutes before package instructions, preventing mushy results.
• Drain Beef Smartly: Use a colander to remove excess grease, preventing a greasy dish and maintaining a lean, flavorful meat base.
• Whisk Roux Smoothly: Create a lump-free cheese sauce by continuously whisking flour and butter, allowing proper thickening without burning.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Cut Velveeta into smaller cubes and add gradually to sauce, stirring constantly for ultra-creamy, silky consistency.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option or add diced bell peppers for extra vegetable nutrition.

Best Storage For Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store meals in sealed containers for maximum freshness, keeping them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date and contents.
• Reheat refrigerated pasta in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• When thawing frozen pasta, transfer to the refrigerator overnight for best results, then gently warm in a skillet with a little additional milk or butter to revive the sauce's smoothness.
• Avoid repeated reheating, as this can negatively impact taste and texture, potentially making the cheese sauce grainy or separating.

Pairing Ideas For Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Craft a Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this hearty pasta dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which cuts through the rich cheese sauce and complements the savory beef perfectly.
• Brew a Bold Beer Matching: Select a crisp amber ale or a hoppy IPA that can stand up to the robust flavors of the Velveeta and ground beef, creating a delightful taste explosion on your palate.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad Harmony: Toss a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta, adding a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the cheesy sauce and provide a crunchy texture that elevates the entire dining experience.

Try These Variations Of Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Bowtie Bake: Add diced green chiles, swap Rotel for jalapeños, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick that will wake up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Fusion Pasta: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, mix in crumbled feta, and stir through chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation that brings exotic flavors.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Pasta: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the beef, incorporate dried thyme into the cheese sauce, and garnish with fresh chives for an earthy, rich rendition.
• Tex-Mex Loaded Version: Blend in black beans, corn kernels, and top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and a southwestern profile that transforms the classic recipe.

FAQs For Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Is Velveeta the best cheese for this pasta dish?

Velveeta melts incredibly smoothly and creates a creamy, rich sauce that regular cheese can’t match. Its processed texture helps create an ultra-smooth cheese coating that clings perfectly to the bowtie pasta.

• Can I use different ground meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. Each option will give a slightly different flavor profile but maintain the dish’s delicious cheesy essence.

• How spicy is this recipe with Rotel?

The Rotel adds a mild, gentle kick of heat that’s more about flavor than intense spiciness. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can easily skip the Rotel or use a mild version to control the heat level.

• What makes the cheese sauce so creamy?

Creating a roux with butter and flour before adding milk helps thicken the sauce, while Velveeta provides that signature smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination ensures a perfectly creamy cheese sauce every single time.

Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta, delivering creamy cheesy goodness with hearty ground beef. Quick weeknight dinners get an upgrade with this simple, satisfying one-pot meal that draws you in with its rich flavor and easy preparation.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (cubed)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• ½ cup onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (drained, optional for spice)

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

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Instructions

1. Boil a generously salted water pot and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and reserve to the side.
2. In a robust skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions, breaking meat into fine crumbles until no pink remains and onions become translucent.
3. Eliminate excess fat from the skillet, then infuse the meat mixture with minced garlic, fragrant seasonings, and zesty Rotel, allowing flavors to meld for several minutes.
4. Create a velvety cheese sauce by crafting a golden roux with melted butter and flour, whisking diligently to prevent lumps.
5. Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a smooth consistency.
6. Incorporate Velveeta cubes and shredded cheddar into the sauce, gently stirring until completely melted and achieving a luxurious, creamy texture.
7. Merge the seasoned beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and decadent cheese sauce in the skillet, ensuring every morsel is lavishly coated.
8. Warm the combined ingredients thoroughly, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
9. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or an additional sprinkle of cheese for visual appeal and extra flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize the pasta’s texture by cooking it slightly less than package instructions for a firmer bite.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
• Swap Velveeta for a homemade cheese sauce using sharp cheddar and cream cheese for a more natural flavor profile.
• Transform this into a gluten-free meal by using gluten-free pasta and replacing flour with cornstarch in the cheese sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg