A rich, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish featuring Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with chilies, combined with hearty ground beef and bowtie noodles. This meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, offering a creamy texture and bold flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Creamy and Cheesy – Velveeta and cream cheese create an ultra-smooth and indulgent sauce.
- Hearty and Filling – Ground beef and pasta make this a satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Cream cheese, softened
- Cream of chicken soup
- Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- Ground beef
- Bowtie noodles (farfalle)
- (Optional) Reserved pasta water to thin the sauce
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients – Reduce heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese – Add cubed Velveeta cheese and softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Mix with Pasta – Add the cooked bowtie noodles and stir until fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve Immediately – Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Spicy Version – Use hot Rotel tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Protein Swap – Try using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Vegetable Additions – Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added texture.
- Extra Cheesy – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top before serving.
- Crunchy Topping – Add crushed tortilla chips or French fried onions for a crispy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy cheese sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well if bowtie pasta is unavailable.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
You can substitute Velveeta with a combination of shredded cheddar and a little heavy cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick?
Gradually add reserved pasta water while mixing the sauce to maintain a smooth consistency.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and makes the dish slightly lighter.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well with this creamy pasta dish.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, light cream cheese, and a reduced-fat cheese alternative for a lighter version.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just adjust ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger skillet or Dutch oven.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps thin the cheese sauce without making it watery, ensuring a creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the perfect comfort food, offering a rich and cheesy flavor with minimal effort. With its creamy sauce, hearty beef, and satisfying pasta, this dish is a great option for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love.
Print
Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A rich, cheesy sauce made with Velveeta, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes coats tender bowtie pasta and savory ground beef for a hearty, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and easy dinner is a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
This Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A rich, cheesy sauce made with Velveeta, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes coats tender bowtie pasta and savory ground beef for a hearty, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and easy dinner is a guaranteed family favorite.
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the noodles aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too heavy.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese and softened cream cheese, stirring continuously as they melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
4️⃣ Combine:
- Toss the cooked bowtie noodles into the skillet and stir until fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese, if desired.
Notes
✔ Cheese Prep: Cube the Velveeta and soften the cream cheese beforehand to help them melt smoothly.
✔ Sauce Consistency: Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed for a perfect, creamy texture.
✔ Pasta Texture: Cook pasta al dente, as it will absorb some sauce and soften more after mixing.
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