Description
Velveeta beef & bowtie pasta delivers comfort in one cheesy, hearty dish that promises maximum satisfaction. Melted cheese, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle), about 12 ounces (340 grams)
- 1 big block of Velveeta cheese, cubed, about 32 ounces (907 grams)
- 1 block of cream cheese, softened, 8 ounces (227 grams)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces (298 grams)
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained, 10 ounces (283 grams)
- 1 cup pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Add bowtie pasta and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain excess grease to prevent sauce from becoming oily.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce cubed Velveeta, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes directly into the pan with browned beef. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Gently fold cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated. If sauce appears too dense, incorporate reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until reaching desired sauce thickness.
- Remove skillet from heat and let mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy, guaranteeing maximum flavor and optimal texture.
Notes
- Add a splash of pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky smooth texture that coats every noodle perfectly.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, reducing the overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Enhance protein by stirring in a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the final mixing stage, adding nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes, or even substituting with diced fresh tomatoes for a milder flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 619
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg