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Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
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Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a quick, easy, and comforting dinner combining tender bowtie pasta with a rich, gooey Velveeta cheese sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty and family-friendly dish offers creamy goodness in every bite with simple, budget-conscious ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers satisfying flavor and texture that both kids and adults will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Cheese Sauce

  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks and cook until browned and no longer pink, around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat for a leaner dish.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, which builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
  4. Make the Velveeta Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in cubed Velveeta cheese along with butter and milk. Stir consistently until the cheese melts fully into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the beef and aromatics perfectly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained bowtie pasta directly into the cheese and beef mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Season and Serve: Finish with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder or paprika for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the luscious, cheesy goodness immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; keep bowtie pasta al dente for the best texture.
  • Stir continuously when melting cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Customize seasonings by tasting as you go and adjusting salt and spices to your preference.
  • Add a touch of acid like a squeeze of lemon or dash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Velveeta pasta, creamy pasta, beef pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, family-friendly meals, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/creamy-velveeta-beef-bowtie-pasta/