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Bowtie pasta combined with ground beef, diced tomatoes, and rich Velveeta cheese sauce.

Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce Recipe

  • Author: Eleanor
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Description

Comfort food at its finest, Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce brings a delightful twist to your dinner table. This dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its charming bowtie shape; it’s a satisfying blend of flavors that appeals to both adults and kids alike. The creamy texture of Velveeta melts beautifully into the savory beef sauce, creating a luscious coating that clings to each pasta piece.

What’s great about this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a splash of color and nutrients. For the seasoned cook, a dash of garlic powder or herbs can elevate the flavor profile even more. Achieving the perfect sauce consistency is also key—make sure to simmer it just right until it’s luxuriously thick. No matter how you choose to customize your dish, the joy of sharing a plate of this creamy concoction will surely make every meal memorable.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) bowtie pasta (farfalle)

  • 6 cups water (for boiling)

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)

Meat Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean)

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for browning beef)

Creamy Velveeta Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta cheese, cubed

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish and Presentation Ingredients:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

  • Sliced green onions (optional, for color and flavor)

Instructions

  1. Cook and Drain the Bowtie Pasta:

    1. Bring 6 cups of salted water (with 1 tbsp kosher salt) to a rolling boil in a large pot.

    2. Add 1 pound of bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

    3. Drain the pasta in a colander, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Set pasta aside and do not rinse.

  2. Brown the Ground Beef & Aromatics:

    1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add 1.5 pounds ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.

    2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

  3. Incorporate Tomatoes & Seasonings:

    1. Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) undrained diced tomatoes, 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika.

    2. Mix thoroughly and allow the beef mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes over medium-low heat.

  4. Create the Creamy Velveeta Sauce:

    1. Reduce heat to low. Add 16 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) directly into the skillet.

    2. Stir continuously until the Velveeta melts smoothly into the meat and tomato mixture.

  5. Simmer with Beef Broth:

    1. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes until rich, thick, and well combined.

  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

    1. Gently fold the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet until every piece is generously coated in the creamy Velveeta beef sauce.

    2. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until your desired sauce consistency is reached.

  7. Garnish and Serve:

    1. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan, or sliced green onions.

    2. Serve immediately while piping hot!

Notes

Tips for Success

  • Pasta Doneness: Undercook the pasta by 1 to 2 minutes during the initial boil; it will finish cooking in the hot sauce without becoming mushy.

  • Do Not Rinse Pasta: Rinsing removes the surface starch needed to help the creamy sauce cling to the bowtie pasta.

  • Melt Smoothly: Cut the Velveeta into small, uniform cubes to ensure it melts quickly and evenly into the sauce over low heat.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course / Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1,120 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Bowtie Pasta, Farfalle, Velveeta, Ground Beef, Beef Sauce, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food

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Find it online: https://eleanorrecipes.com/bowtie-pasta/