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Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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5 from 85 reviews

This creamy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta is a comforting and hearty meal featuring tender ground beef simmered in a tomato-infused sauce, enriched with velvety melted Velveeta cheese and heavy cream. Bowtie pasta tossed in the luscious sauce makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

  • 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
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 pound bowtie pasta (Farfalle)
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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 boiling the pasta.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the Sauce: Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
  4. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat under the sauce to its lowest setting to prevent burning. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the sauce pot. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the heavy cream until completely combined. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes as desired.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the pot with the creamy beef sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the desired consistency is achieved.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta immediately while piping hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat and keeps the dish lighter.
  • You can substitute Velveeta with another melty cheese if desired, but Velveeta provides a uniquely smooth and creamy texture.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh flavor and color but is optional.
  • For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

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