Description
Velveeta beef & bowtie pasta delivers comfort in every cheesy, hearty bite. Melted cheese cascades over tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies deep hunger with simple, rich flavors you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz velveeta cheese
Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil for cooking the bowtie pasta to al dente perfection, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta water heats, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces with a wooden spatula, cooking until fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Drain pasta when cooked, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Reduce skillet heat to low and introduce butter, allowing it to melt completely into the beef mixture.
- Cube Velveeta cheese and gradually fold into the beef, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Pour milk into the skillet, helping the cheese blend seamlessly and creating a luxurious sauce.
- Gently fold cooked bowtie pasta into the cheesy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
- If sauce seems thick, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content, creating a healthier version of this comfort dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Swap regular Velveeta for low-fat or reduced-sodium cheese alternatives to make the recipe more diet-friendly and heart-conscious.
- Boost nutritional value by adding colorful vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the beef sautéing stage for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Create a gluten-free option by using chickpea or lentil-based bowtie pasta, which provides additional protein and suits those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 568
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 755 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg