If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s cheesy, hearty, and ridiculously easy to make, look no further than Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver — creamy, meaty, and packed with bold flavors your whole family will love. Bowtie pasta (aka farfalle) holds onto the rich Velveeta cheese sauce beautifully, creating a crave-worthy bite every time.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, this recipe has become a trending favorite across kitchens for its simplicity and satisfying flavor. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes of cooking, you’ve got yourself a dinner that checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles Recipe
- Quick & Easy: From skillet to table in just about 30 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry and fridge staples like ground beef, cheese, and pasta.
- Ultra Creamy: Velveeta melts into the perfect smooth, luscious sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
- Customizable: Spice it up, make it leaner, or swap ingredients to suit your diet.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Swaps:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Gluten-free bowtie pasta for a GF version
- Dairy-free cheddar alternative if avoiding dairy
- Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
- Boil the Pasta
Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. - Add Seasoning & Tomatoes
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the can of diced tomatoes (with liquid). Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. - Melt the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add cubed Velveeta and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and creamy. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated and heated through. - Serve & Enjoy
Spoon into bowls and serve hot! Garnish with cracked pepper or chopped parsley if desired.
Expert Tip:
For an extra gooey texture, toss in a handful of shredded cheddar right before serving.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or use hot Rotel for extra heat.
- Loaded Version: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Make It a Bake: Transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
- Low-Carb Option: Try swapping pasta for cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy. Or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
Freezing Tip:
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cheese sauce texture, but it can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about rich, cheesy, and beefy pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few more comforting meals to add to your dinner rotation:
- Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef – A creamy, savory twist on bowtie pasta loaded with garlicky goodness.
- Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – This dish is full of flavor and buttery richness — a quick hit with minimal effort.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Restaurant-quality pasta made easy with creamy garlic parmesan sauce and tender chicken.
Be sure to check them out for more cozy dinner inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work great too — just aim for pasta shapes that hold onto sauce well.
Can I make this with shredded cheese instead of Velveeta?
You can, but Velveeta gives a creamier, more stable sauce. If using shredded cheese, add a little cream or butter to help it melt smoothly.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily spice it up with hot Rotel, jalapeños, or chili flakes.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store it in the fridge, then reheat just before serving. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, satisfying, and effortless dinner, this Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is your new go-to. It’s cheesy, meaty, and irresistibly creamy — what’s not to love? Give it a try tonight and don’t forget to share your creations or tag us on social media. Hungry for more comfort food classics? Stick around — we’ve got plenty more coming your way!
Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie farfalle pasta
- 10 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with liquid. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and milk to the skillet. Stir until cheese is fully melted and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in sauce.
- Serve warm. Garnish with black pepper or fresh parsley if desired.