Name: Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta: A Creamy, Cheesy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound bowtie pasta; 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for creamier sauce); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta: Get ready to experience a symphony of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every single bite! This isn't just another pasta dish; it's a comforting classic that has graced family tables for generations, and I'm thrilled to share my version with you.

While the exact origins of this particular combination are a bit hazy, the love for cheesy pasta dishes runs deep in American culinary history. Think of it as a modern twist on classic comfort food, elevated with the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Velveeta. It’s a dish that speaks to our desire for quick, satisfying meals without sacrificing flavor.

What makes Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta so irresistible? It's the perfect marriage of textures – the tender bowtie pasta, the savory ground beef, and that unbelievably creamy Velveeta cheese sauce. It’s a simple recipe, but the taste is anything but ordinary. People adore this dish because it's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up a hearty and delicious meal. I know my family requests it at least once a month!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound bowtie pasta
1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for creamier sauce)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Beef and Sauce:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a leaner ground beef (90/10) to minimize the grease, but any ground beef will work. Just be sure to drain it well!
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained – we want that extra flavor!). Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I often let it simmer while I'm preparing the pasta.

Cooking the Pasta:

Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself! I usually aim for about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
Don't Overcook: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the finished dish.
Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don't rinse the pasta unless you're making a cold pasta salad. We want the starch on the pasta to help the sauce cling to it.

Melting the Velveeta and Assembling the Dish:

Add Velveeta to the Sauce: Reduce the heat under the sauce to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent the cheese from sticking and burning.
Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little milk or half-and-half to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with a quarter cup and add more as needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Velveeta cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every bowtie is covered in that cheesy goodness!
Serve and Garnish: Serve the Velveeta beef bowtie pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
Use Different Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef. If using Italian sausage, be sure to remove the casings before browning.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for a vegetarian version. You could also add some crumbled vegetarian ground beef substitute.
Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce along with the Velveeta cheese.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine it with the reheated sauce.
Bake it: For a cheesy baked casserole, transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Slow Cooker Version: Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the slow cooker along with the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in the sauce.
Storage: Store leftover Velveeta beef bowtie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

This Velveeta beef bowtie pasta recipe is truly a weeknight champion, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. We're talking creamy, cheesy goodness, hearty beef, and perfectly cooked pasta all coming together in a single pot of deliciousness. It's the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, and it's guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. Forget complicated recipes with a million ingredients; this one is all about simplicity and pure, unadulterated flavor. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I've shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Looking for a little extra heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté some chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini along with the beef. You could even stir in a can of diced tomatoes for a richer, more tomatoey sauce. For serving suggestions, this Velveeta beef bowtie pasta is fantastic on its own as a complete meal. However, if you're looking to round it out, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Alternatively, you could serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta! While bowtie pasta is my personal favorite, you could easily substitute it with penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente. I'm confident that once you try this recipe, you'll be hooked. It's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – the perfect combination for a busy weeknight meal. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won't be disappointed. And more importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I'm always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Let me know if you have any questions, too. I'm here to help you create the perfect Velveeta beef bowtie pasta every single time. Happy cooking!