Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish, and this Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to satisfying comfort food. I first made this dish during a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a family favorite. The creamy sauce, made with Velveeta and cream cheese, coats the bowtie pasta perfectly, while the ground beef adds a savory, hearty element. The slight kick from the Rotel tomatoes with chilies balances out the richness of the cheese, making this a well-rounded dish everyone will love.
This meal is not only creamy and flavorful, but it’s also quick and easy to make. The ingredients are simple and accessible, making it the perfect option for busy families or anyone in need of a delicious meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation. The kids loved it, and my husband asked for seconds, which is always a sign of success in our house. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and satisfaction, look no further than Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
This recipe combines some of the most comforting ingredients into one pot of deliciousness. The combination of Velveeta cheese and cream cheese makes for a sauce that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. The Rotel tomatoes with chilies add a bit of spice, while the ground beef provides the perfect hearty element to make this dish filling and satisfying. The bowtie noodles (or farfalle) are the ideal pasta shape for this creamy sauce, holding just the right amount of sauce in each bite.
If you’re a fan of cheesy pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese, you’re going to love this variation. The addition of the beef makes it a one-pot meal that’s perfect for dinner with the family or even as a potluck dish. It’s an all-in-one dish that checks all the boxes—flavor, creaminess, and simplicity.
Ingredients
- 1 big block of Velveeta cheese, cubed (about 32 oz)
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle), about 12 oz
- (Optional) 1 cup pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. Set the noodles aside. - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet. - Make the Sauce
To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the cubed Velveeta cheese, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Stir everything together over medium heat until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the cheese. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is creamy and well-combined, add the cooked bowtie noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce until they’re fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. - Serve
Once everything is mixed together and the sauce is at your preferred consistency, serve the Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta warm. Enjoy this rich and cheesy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8 | Calories per Serving: 650 kcal
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 700mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta hot in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve it alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced dinner.
- If you like a bit of spice, top with additional chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Additional Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. It will still provide great flavor without the extra fat.
- Make it Spicy: If you love spice, feel free to add more Rotel tomatoes with chilies or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
- Use Other Pastas: While bowtie noodles work perfectly in this dish, you can swap them out for any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli.
- Make it Cheesy: For an even cheesier dish, add extra Velveeta cheese or sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top before serving. Pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes for a melty, golden finish.
- Leftovers: This dish makes excellent leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra milk or cream if it’s too thick.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the noodles. Store the beef and cheese sauce mixture in the refrigerator and cook the pasta just before serving. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef, and it will still provide a deliciously creamy pasta dish. - Can I freeze Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to restore the creamy texture. - What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes with chilies?
You can substitute regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of chili powder or hot sauce to taste. This will give you a similar flavor profile. - Can I use regular cheese instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta gives this dish its signature smooth, creamy texture. However, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, but the sauce may not be as creamy. - How can I make the sauce less thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, milk, or even some chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer—penne, rotini, or shells would all work wonderfully. - Is there a way to add more vegetables to the dish?
Yes! You can stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or even peas for added texture and nutrition. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese and Velveeta?
Yes, low-fat versions of cream cheese and Velveeta can be substituted, though the dish may be a little less creamy. - Can I add garlic to the sauce for more flavor?
Absolutely! Minced garlic would be a great addition to the beef as it cooks, adding extra flavor to the sauce.
This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The smooth, cheesy sauce, hearty ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta combine to make a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this delicious pasta dish tonight!