Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles

Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low Effort, High Reward

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) box of bowtie pasta (farfalle)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 works best)

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and warmth)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes

• ½ cup sour cream

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid (at least 12 inches)

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Colander

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 10-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain in a colander but do not rinse. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef with your spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 3: Degrease and Season

If there is an excess amount of grease from the beef, carefully drain it off, leaving about a tablespoon behind for flavor. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium. To the skillet with the beef, add the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Scatter the cubed Velveeta over the top of the beef and tomato mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to begin melting. After this time, remove the lid and stir continuously until the Velveeta is completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy, and vibrant orange sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the drained, cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, gently folding it into the creamy beef sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. Turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully blended. This final addition of sour cream introduces a subtle tang that perfectly balances the richness of the Velveeta. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls immediately while hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is best enjoyed straight from the stove, when the sauce is at its creamiest.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Make it Spicy: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or use a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) instead of plain diced tomatoes.

• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms when you are sautéing the onions. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the very end until wilted is also a great addition.

• Cheese Lover’s Twist: After combining the pasta and sauce, top it with a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cover the skillet for a minute to let it melt, or pop it under the broiler for a bubbly, golden-brown top.

• Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken upon standing.

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Nutrition Information

Important Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate provided by an online calculator and should be considered approximate. Values can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe

• Calories: ~625

• Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 1350mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 68g

• Dietary Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 12g

• Protein: 36g

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The Last Bite: A Recipe for Connection

This Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a testament to the idea that the best meals aren’t always the most complicated. They are the reliable, the comforting, the ones that bring everyone to the table without fuss. The beauty of this dish is in its glorious simplicity and its undeniable ability to satisfy. It’s a recipe that asks for so little of your time and energy but gives back so much in return: a quiet, happy table, empty bowls, and the simple, cheesy joy of a meal made with love.