Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe – A Cozy, Cheesy Hug in a Bowl

Introduction

I still remember the warm, cheesy smell that would float through my kitchen when I first made Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta for my family. Right away, the little bowties glisten and the Velveeta melts into a silky sauce that wraps every bite in comfort. This recipe sits near the top of my weeknight favorites, and honestly, it feels like a hug on a plate.

While you cook, the house fills with a mix of toasted onion, warm paprika, and garlic — and suddenly everyone wants to know what’s for dinner. If you like simple meals that taste like home, then this one’s for you. Also, if you need a quick crowd-pleaser, Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta never fails.

For another hearty pasta I love, try this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta for an extra garlicky twist: Garlic Butter Beef Pasta.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can get dinner on the table fast.
• Comforting homemade flavor that’s creamy, savory, and just a little spicy.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion — weeknights, casual guests, or a cozy night in.
• Always a crowd-pleaser; kids and grown-ups both come back for seconds.

For a warming soup to start, consider pairing it with a bowl of Beef and Barley Soup on chillier nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Chef note: Use a good-quality beef broth for richer flavor, and cube the Velveeta so it melts quickly and evenly.

I sometimes sip a quick Creamy Banana Smoothie with Milk while waiting for the pasta to boil — it’s silly, but it keeps me from grazing too much.

How to Make It

1. First, cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You want the pasta to have a little bite so it holds up in the silky sauce.
2. Next, heat a large skillet and add the 1 lb ground beef with the diced onion. Cook until browned, and then drain excess fat. You’ll hear a happy sizzle as the beef browns, and the onions will turn translucent and sweet.
3. Then stir in the minced garlic, the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors marry and the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Now reduce the heat to low. Add the Velveeta cubes and stir until everything becomes smooth and creamy. The sauce will go velvety and glossy — that’s the moment I always smile.
5. Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta until every little bowtie gets coated in that cheese sauce. Stir gently so the pasta doesn’t break, and smell how cozy the kitchen has become.
6. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar over the top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. The cheddar adds a sharper note against the Velveeta’s creaminess, and the parsley brightens the plate.

If you want a slightly different take, check out this comforting Beef Macaroni Goulash for a similar vibe: Beef Macaroni Goulash.

Kitchen Tips

• Save time: While the pasta cooks, brown the beef and dice the onion so everything moves quickly.
• Fix a common mistake: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk and stir until smooth.
• Personal twist: Stir in a handful of frozen corn or chopped bell pepper for color and crunch, or sprinkle chili flakes if you love heat. Also try finishing with a little lemon zest for brightness.

For a rich, garlicky pairing idea, I often think about this Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak recipe for date-night dinners: Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak.

Serving Ideas

Serve Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta right from the pan while it’s warm and fragrant. It’s lovely for:

• Weeknight family dinners, because it’s fast and filling.
• A cozy night in with a movie and a simple green salad.
• Casual gatherings where you want comfort food that travels well.

Optional garnishes and sides: a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or warm garlic bread. For a brighter plate, add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chopped scallions before serving.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat tip: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth so the sauce loosens without becoming grainy.
• Leftover idea: Turn leftovers into a cheesy bake by topping with extra cheddar and broiling until golden, or stuff into a tortilla for a hearty wrap.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day, since the flavors have time to mingle.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?

A: Of course! Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage, and use another melting cheese if you prefer — this recipe is very forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?

A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. Add a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?

A: Look for tender pasta and a glossy, smooth sauce. The beef should have browned edges and the kitchen should smell amazing — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts

This dish has a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s fast, cheesy, and full of honest flavor. Also, it brings people together — plates go quiet for a few minutes, and then you hear the happy clinks of forks. Make Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta your own by adding whatever veggies or spices your family loves. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you reach for when you want comfort and simplicity in the same bite.

Conclusion

If you want another take or inspiration, check out this version at Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta – Dessert Hungry. Also, for more cheesy comfort-food ideas, see Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta: Cheesy Comfort Food ….

Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to share the love (and extra cheddar). Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is waiting in your kitchen.

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

A cozy and cheesy comfort dish that combines bowtie pasta with savory ground beef and melted Velveeta cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Use a good-quality beef for richer flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup beef broth Use a good-quality beef broth for richer flavor.
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed Cube the Velveeta for quick melting.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds sharpness against the Velveeta's creaminess.
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking

1. Heat a large skillet and add the ground beef with the diced onion. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the Velveeta cubes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta until fully coated in the cheese sauce.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk and stir until smooth. You can also stir in frozen corn or chopped bell pepper for added color and crunch.