Savor the creamy goodness of this cheesy beef pasta! Made with Velveeta, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Super Creamy & Cheesy – A rich, velvety sauce coats every bite.
- Kid-Friendly – A family favorite with flavors everyone enjoys.
- Hearty & Filling – Loaded with beef, pasta, and cheese for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes just as good (or even better) the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 1/4 lbs ground beef
- 1 box bowtie pasta
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1 large block Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup pasta water
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Melt the Cheese – Add the cream cheese, Velveeta, Rotel tomatoes, and cream of chicken soup to the skillet with the beef. Stir until everything melts and combines into a creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta Water – Pour in the reserved pasta water to help thin the sauce and make it smooth.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of hot sauce or extra diced jalapeños.
- Different Protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Extra Veggies – Stir in bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before serving.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
Cheddar cheese with a bit of heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Add more pasta water or a splash of milk to thin the sauce if needed.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild spice from the Rotel tomatoes, but you can use a mild version or leave it out if preferred.
Can I use a different soup instead of cream of chicken?
Cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup works as great alternatives.
How do I make it even cheesier?
Stir in extra shredded cheese like mozzarella or sharp cheddar before serving.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon adds great flavor.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours until everything is melted and creamy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta is an easy, creamy, and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, cheesy sauce and hearty beef, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, homemade dish in just 35 minutes!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Savor the creamy goodness of this Cheesy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta! Made with Velveeta, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes, this easy and comforting dish is perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 lbs ground beef
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with chilies
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16 oz) box bowtie pasta
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 big block Velveeta cheese, cubed (about 16 oz)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add Rotel tomatoes (with juices), cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and Velveeta to the skillet with the beef.
- Stir until melted and creamy.
- Gradually add pasta water to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spice it up with a dash of chili powder or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
