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
Scale
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.