I love quick meals that feed a family without fuss.
introduction
This Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is creamy, fast, and filling. It uses simple pantry items and cooks in about 30 minutes. If you like easy skillet dinners, try a different flavor with this Asian ground beef noodles for variety.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast on weeknights.
- Kids and adults usually like the mild, creamy cheese sauce.
- It uses cheap ingredients and makes good leftovers.
- You get meat, pasta, and sauce in one dish.
how to make Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Follow the steps below and work in order. Brown the meat first, then make the sauce in the same pan to keep flavor. If you want a different take, see a simple comfort version like classic beef and noodles for ideas on swapping broth or seasonings.
Ingredients :
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan or cheddar (for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed, then remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Velveeta Cheese Sauce. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Velveeta cubes and stir continuously until melted and silky smooth. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until the sauce thickens and becomes ultra-creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Beef. Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Fold in the seasoned beef. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve. Serve hot with extra cheese sprinkled on top and fresh parsley for color.
how to serve Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Serve hot from the pan. Add extra shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan on top. Garnish with chopped parsley for color. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
how to store Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. You can freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente holds up better in the sauce.
- Save the pasta water; a little helps thin the sauce and keeps it smooth.
- Cube the Velveeta small so it melts faster and evenly.
- Taste for salt after adding cheeses; they add salt too.
- For less fat, use lean ground beef and low-fat cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach for color and nutrition.
- Swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or shells.
- Use diced cooked chicken instead of beef for a milder meal.
- Stir in salsa or chopped tomatoes for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?
A: Yes. Use cream cheese or a mix of cheddar and American cheese, but melt slowly and add a bit more cream to keep it smooth.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little extra Velveeta or a splash of flour mixed with butter (roux) to thicken.
Q: Is this freezer safe?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and add a little milk to restore creaminess.
Q: Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
A: Yes. They are optional and only add light heat.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from separating when reheating?
A: Reheat gently over low heat and stir in a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back together.
Conclusion
For another take on a Velveeta pasta dish with similar comfort flavors, check this version for inspiration: a Velveeta beef and bowtie pasta recipe from Umami Recipes.
Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed, then remove beef and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Velveeta cubes and stir continuously until melted and silky smooth. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until the sauce thickens and becomes ultra-creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Fold in the seasoned beef. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot with extra cheese sprinkled on top and fresh parsley for color.