Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is a comforting and creamy dish that brings smiles to the table. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and melted cheeses with fun bowtie noodles, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. It’s simple to prepare and packed with deliciousness!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons! First, it’s quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy cheese sauce gives it a rich flavor that everyone loves. Plus, it uses basic ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, Velveeta Beef Pasta is sure to please!
How to Make Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Ingredients:
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 large block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle)
- 1 cup pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Make the Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, cubed Velveeta, and cream of chicken soup to the skillet with the beef. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and the mixture is smooth.
Add the Rotel: Stir in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Adjust Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the noodles with the creamy beef sauce.
Serve: Serve the creamy Velveeta beef pasta hot.
How to Serve Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Serve your Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or grated cheese on top for extra flavor. It goes well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.
How to Store Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy sauce.
Tips to Make Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
- For extra flavor, add some chopped onions and garlic when cooking the ground beef.
- Feel free to use different types of pasta if you prefer. Shells or penne work well too!
- To make it a bit healthier, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
Variation
You can change up the flavors by using different cheeses, like cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta right before serving. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Velveeta Beef Pasta can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
3. Is it possible to make this dish without meat?
Absolutely! You can skip the beef and replace it with vegetables or a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.25 pounds ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 1 large block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle)
- 1 cup pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce Reserve before draining the pasta.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
Cooking the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Making the Sauce
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, cubed Velveeta, and cream of chicken soup to the skillet with the beef. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and the mixture is smooth.
Adding the Rotel
- Stir in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Adjusting the Consistency
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Combining with Pasta
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the noodles with the creamy beef sauce.
Serving
- Serve the creamy Velveeta beef pasta hot in bowls, optionally topped with chopped parsley or grated cheese.
