Name: Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 lb ground beef; ½ medium onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate family-friendly comfort food. It’s quick, filling, and has that nostalgic Velveeta creaminess that makes it feel extra indulgent. The bowtie noodles hold the cheesy sauce perfectly, and the ground beef adds a rich, meaty flavor that balances the dish. It’s also easy to customize and great for leftovers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Ground beef
Velveeta cheese, cubed
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Milk
Diced tomatoes (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Paprika or chili powder (optional for a little kick)
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

directions

I start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. I drain the excess grease.
I add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
I lower the heat and stir in milk and the Velveeta cubes. I let them melt slowly, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
I mix in the cooked pasta and stir everything together until well coated. If I’m using diced tomatoes or spices, I add them at this point.
I season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika if I want a little extra flavor.
I garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the beef for extra veggies. I’ve also used ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If I want it spicier, I stir in a bit of hot sauce or crushed red pepper. And when I’m out of bowties, I use rotini, penne, or shells—they all work great with the cheesy sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it in advance and reheat before serving. I just store the pasta and sauce together and add a little milk when reheating.

Is there a way to make this dish less rich?

I sometimes use half the amount of Velveeta or mix in some low-fat milk and shredded cheese to lighten it up a bit.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t usually freeze it since the cheese sauce can become grainy, but it’s doable if I reheat it gently and stir well.

What sides go well with this?

I usually pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, I’ve blended Velveeta with cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor. Just make sure it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Conclusion

Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is pure comfort in a bowl. I love how creamy, cheesy, and filling it is without being complicated. Whether I’m feeding the family or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish always delivers.