Print

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish combining tender ground beef, creamy Velveeta cheese, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a rich and satisfying meal that’s ideal for family dinners or quick weeknight meals, with flexibility for customization and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium fat)
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, diced
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 12 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Chili flakes or crushed red pepper, to taste
  • Spinach, peas, or bell peppers (for added vegetables)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until it’s browned with no pink remaining, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, building a savory flavor base.
  3. Cook Bowtie Pasta: While the beef simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Melt Velveeta and Combine: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the diced Velveeta cheese and milk or cream to the beef mixture. Stir continuously to melt the cheese fully, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.
  5. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the cheesy beef sauce, making sure each piece is coated. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs or spices to taste.
  6. Serve Warm: Transfer the pasta to bowls or plates and garnish with fresh parsley, additional cheese, or spices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use low to medium heat when melting the cheese to prevent breaking or grainy texture.
  • Aim to cook pasta al dente so it holds its texture when mixed with the sauce.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
  • Stir continuously while melting the cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving for a fresh flavor boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: Velveeta beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, comfort food, quick dinner