Description
Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner combining tender bowtie pasta, rich Velveeta cheese, and savory ground beef to create a creamy, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Its velvety cheese sauce, mild flavors, and easy one-pot preparation make it a beloved dish for all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
- Sauté aromatics and brown beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Melt the Velveeta cheese: Reduce heat to low, then add cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet with the beef. Slowly pour in milk or cream, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the creamy beef mixture, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately for a warm, cheesy feast everyone will enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature Velveeta to help it melt faster and more evenly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly firm pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
- Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Brown the beef well to add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Stir gently to keep pasta intact and avoid breaking the bowties into small pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg