Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

For the Velveeta Sauce:

• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thicker sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

How to Make Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using), then stir everything to combine.

Step 3: Make the Velveeta Cheese Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This step helps thicken the sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer a thinner sauce.
2. Gradually add the milk and beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the saucepan and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or simply keep the sauce as is for a smooth, classic cheesy flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Pour the Velveeta sauce over the top and stir to combine everything evenly.
2. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little extra milk to loosen it up.
3. Stir everything together and let it cook on low for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Once the dish is heated through and everything is combined, remove from heat.
2. Serve the Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta in bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and color.
3. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal!

Tips for Success

• Customizing the Protein: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a healthier twist. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully, so don’t hesitate to make extra for leftovers the next day. Just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Why This Recipe Works

Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and hearty elements. The creamy Velveeta sauce pairs beautifully with the tender pasta and savory beef, creating a dish that is both rich and satisfying. Plus, the recipe is customizable, meaning you can easily adjust it to your taste or dietary preferences. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Conclusion

Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and hearty. This simple yet flavorful dish will become a go-to in your meal-planning rotation, perfect for feeding the whole family or impressing friends at a casual gathering. With its creamy Velveeta cheese sauce, tender beef, and bowtie pasta, this dish delivers unbeatable flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!