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You know those nights when you need serious comfort food? This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce is my family's absolute favorite. I started making it years ago when my kids were little and picky about everything. The creamy cheese sauce mixed with tender pasta and seasoned beef gets devoured every single time.
Pure Comfort in a Bowl
This pasta dish is pure magic in your mouth. The Velveeta melts into this incredibly smooth sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. Add in some perfectly seasoned ground beef and a kick from Rotel tomatoes and you've got a dinner that'll make everyone happy. My husband always goes back for seconds.
What You'll Need From Your Kitchen
- Velveeta Cheese: Grab a big block and cube it up for the smoothest sauce ever.
- Cream Cheese: This makes everything extra velvety.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Trust me it adds amazing flavor.
- Rotel Tomatoes with Chilies: These give just the right amount of zip.
- Ground Beef: You'll need about 2.25 pounds to feed everyone.
- Bowtie Noodles: These cute little bowties catch all the sauce perfectly.
- Pasta Water: Save some just in case you need to thin the sauce.
Let's Cook Together
- Cook Your Pasta:
- Get your water boiling nice and salty then cook those bowties until they're just right. Save some of that starchy water before draining.
- Brown That Beef:
- Cook your ground beef in a big skillet breaking it up as it browns. Drain off any extra fat.
- Make The Sauce:
- Now for the fun part. Toss in your Velveeta cubes cream cheese soup and Rotel. Keep stirring until everything gets super creamy.
- Bring It All Together:
- Mix in your cooked pasta and watch it get coated in all that cheesy goodness. Add some pasta water if needed.
- Time to Eat:
- Scoop it into bowls while it's hot and watch everyone's faces light up.
My Kitchen Secrets
Keep your pasta just a bit firm it'll finish cooking in the sauce. Good quality ground beef makes a huge difference in flavor but ground turkey works great too. Add the pasta water slowly until the sauce looks perfect. Sometimes I sprinkle extra cheese on top and let it get all melty.
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Why This Recipe Works
This pasta dish has saved me on countless busy nights. It comes together so quickly and fills everyone up with warm cheesy goodness. Plus you can easily change it up based on what your family likes. My kids call it the best mac and cheese ever even though it's not mac at all.
Make It Your Own
- Spice It Up: Sometimes I add red pepper flakes when we want extra heat.
- Add Some Veggies: Mushrooms peppers or spinach blend right in.
- Taco Style: Use taco seasoning in the beef and top with fresh jalapeños.
- Change The Cheese: Regular cheddar works great if you're out of Velveeta.
Perfect Pairings
We love this with a simple green salad on the side or some warm garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they heat up beautifully for lunch the next day just add a splash of milk when reheating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or medium shells. Just make sure to choose a pasta shape that will hold the thick, creamy sauce well.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir well to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.
- → Can I make this dish less spicy?
- Use mild Rotel tomatoes instead of regular, or substitute with plain diced tomatoes. You can also drain the Rotel to reduce the heat from the chilies.
- → What can I serve with this pasta?
- This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread makes a great side to soak up the extra sauce.
- → Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- While possible, freezing may change the texture of the cheese sauce. If freezing, store for up to 2 months and reheat slowly with added milk to restore creaminess.