Visiting my parents’ home always seems to bring a flood of memories—especially when my dad is in the kitchen. There’s a particular afternoon that stands out: the day we decided to make something simple yet comforting—Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta.
It wasn’t a grand occasion, but it was the kind of recipe that brought us together effortlessly. As dad browed the ground beef and stirred in the cheese, he shared little tips, like how adding beef broth helps balance the richness of the cheese. I had no idea how much that little detail would make a difference.
What started as a casual meal turned into a conversation about the small joys of cooking together, the memories tied to food, and how even the simplest dishes can carry so much warmth.
The creamy, cheesy sauce mingling with the pasta was the perfect reflection of those moments—comfortable, satisfying, and full of love. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, making any time spent in the kitchen feel special, no matter how busy life gets.
Short Description
This creamy, comforting Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta combines savory ground beef, creamy Velveeta cheese, and tender bowtie pasta in a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food favorite!
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 box bowtie pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until fully browned.
This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Add Diced Tomatoes and Beef Broth
Once the beef is browned and drained, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth to the skillet.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is heated through. This creates the flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Velveeta Cheese
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese into the skillet. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheesy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the creamy Velveeta beef pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance out the richness of the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich & Creamy: The Velveeta cheese creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Comforting & Hearty: With the combination of ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy sauce, this dish is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest eaters.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy nature of this pasta is sure to be a hit with kids, making it a family favorite.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue cooking a little when mixed with the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy.
Solution: Set a timer and check the pasta a minute before the suggested cook time.
Not Draining the Beef: Leaving excess fat in the skillet can make the dish greasy.
Solution: Drain the beef well before adding the other ingredients.
Too Thick of Sauce: If the Velveeta sauce gets too thick, it might not coat the pasta evenly.
Solution: Add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
As a Main Dish: This creamy beef pasta is filling enough to stand alone as the main course. Pair it with a light side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.
With Veggies: Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness of the pasta.
Drink Pairings: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the creamy sauce, or enjoy it with a refreshing sparkling water with lime.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the sauce creamy. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can swap out the bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure it’s a shape that will hold onto the sauce well.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute Velveeta with a different cheese?
Velveeta gives this dish its signature creamy texture, but you can substitute it with another processed cheese or a combination of cheddar and cream cheese for a similar effect.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. After cooking, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to add more color and nutrition to the dish.
Tips & Tricks
For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the beef while it’s browning.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to give this dish a kick.
Garnish with cheese: Top the finished dish with extra shredded cheese for an even cheesier experience!
Recipe Variations
Creamy Chicken & Bowtie Pasta: Swap the ground beef for cooked, diced chicken breast for a lighter version of this dish.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute for added protein.
Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, crumble cooked bacon on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
From the smooth, melted Velveeta to the savory beef and the comforting bowtie pasta, it has a way of turning an ordinary meal into something meaningful. I always look forward to making it again, not just for the flavor, but for the memories I’ve created in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this dish a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with loved ones, and it’s sure to be a favorite in your home too.
Creamy Velveeta Beef And Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 box bowtie pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ lb Velveeta cheese cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Once the beef is browned and drained, stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth. Add more beef broth if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy beef mixture. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley if desired.
