Hey There, Kitchies!
Have you ever craved a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that comes together in no time but tastes like you’ve been working on it all day? Let me introduce you to the Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest: tender bowtie pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and loaded with hearty ground beef.
This recipe became a weeknight hero in our house after I needed a quick solution to “What’s for dinner?” that would keep everyone happy. From the kids’ love of the gooey cheese to my husband’s appreciation of the savory beef, this dish is always a winner. Best of all, it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner gathering, this pasta is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Kid-Approved: Gooey, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to relax.
Cuisine
American
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key to maintaining its texture in the sauce.
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter option.
- Adjust the cheese-to-liquid ratio to your preferred level of creaminess.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni if you don’t have bowties.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
- Substitute Velveeta with a homemade cheese sauce made from reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Opt for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce fat content.
Categories
Dinner, One-Pot Recipes, Pasta Dishes, Kid-Friendly
Tags
Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Family Favorites
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: The pasta can be frozen, but the cheese sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Stir in additional milk or broth to restore its consistency.
Q: Can I make this without Velveeta?
A: Absolutely! Replace Velveeta with a mix of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a homemade alternative.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Use plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
A: A fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
Q: Can I add spice to this recipe?
A: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
There you have it—Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta! This dish is a cozy, satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations and explore more delicious recipes on our page. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
Description
Let me introduce you to the Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest: tender bowtie pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and loaded with hearty ground beef.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the Beef Mixture
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Drain excess grease if necessary. - Make the Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth and milk, then add the Velveeta cubes. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. - Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce and beef mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. - Optional Toppings
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted for extra cheesiness. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan if desired. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pasta warm, paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
