Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving comfort food. This recipe combines tender bowtie noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce made with Velveeta and Rotel tomatoes. It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and Creamy: Velveeta and cream cheese create a sauce that’s irresistibly smooth.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef and pasta for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Quick to Make: Ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: A dish everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.
• Customizable: Add veggies or spices to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 big block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 2.25 pounds ground beef
• 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle)
• (Optional) 1 cup pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into smaller pieces.
3. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked beef.
2. Stir everything together over medium heat until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked bowtie noodles to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta warm.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or diced bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Topping Ideas: Top with crushed tortilla chips or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium soup to lighten the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Gradually add reserved pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

6. Can I omit the Rotel tomatoes?

Yes, but the tomatoes add a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the dish.

7. Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?

Use shredded cheddar cheese and a splash of milk, but the texture will be less creamy.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Ensure the cheeses are fully melted and stirred into the sauce before adding the pasta.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger skillet or pot and double all ingredients.

10. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss the drained pasta with a small amount of oil if not using immediately.

Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, hearty beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for something indulgent, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal in under 40 minutes!

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 25min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with cheesy sauce, savory ground beef, and tender bowtie noodles, it’s a family favorite that’s ready in just 35 minutes.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 big block Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 2.25 pounds ground beef
• 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle)
• 1 cup pasta water (optional, reserved to thin the sauce)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through.
2. Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Add the Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked beef.
2. Stir over medium heat until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked bowtie noodles to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Toss to coat the noodles thoroughly.
3. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the pasta warm, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors of this quick and easy dinner.

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Notes

• Make it Spicier: Use spicy Rotel or add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Add Veggies: Stir in cooked spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.