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Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 97 reviews

Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from ground beef, diced tomatoes, and melted Velveeta cheese. This dish combines savory Italian seasonings with creamy cheese and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, delivering a delicious and satisfying dinner perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
  • 1 pound bowtie pasta (Farfalle)
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Finely dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and cut the Velveeta cheese into 1-inch cubes. Prepare a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the beef and sauce, and another large pot for the pasta.
  2. Cook Beef and Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomato and Seasonings: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, then add Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop the flavors.
  4. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions. Stir immediately after adding pasta to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta without rinsing.
  5. Melt Cheese into Sauce: Turn the heat under the sauce to the lowest setting. Add all cubed Velveeta cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the pot of creamy beef sauce. Toss gently to coat each pasta piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or warm crusty bread.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
  • Do not rinse pasta after draining to retain starch for better sauce adherence.
  • Velveeta cheese gives a smooth, creamy texture but can be substituted with processed cheese alternatives if desired.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end after melting the cheese for best flavor balance.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; omit for a milder dish.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it entirely.